Photosynthesis Flashcards (PDF)

Q1: Q2: What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants? Which organelle in plant cells is responsible for photosynthesis? A: To produce glucose for energy and growth (oxygen is a...

Q1: Q2: What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants? Which organelle in plant cells is responsible for photosynthesis? A: To produce glucose for energy and growth (oxygen is a A: byproduct). Chloroplast. Q3: Q4: What are the two main stages of photosynthesis called? What pigment is primarily responsible for capturing light energy in photosynthesis? A: Light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. A: Chlorophyll, specifically chlorophyll a. Q5: Q6: In which part of the chloroplast do the light-dependent What molecule is produced as a byproduct of the light- reactions take place? dependent reactions? A: A: Thylakoid membranes. Oxygen (O). Q7: Q8: What are the main reactants (inputs) required for the What is the main product (output) of the Calvin cycle? process of photosynthesis? A: A: Glucose (CHO). Carbon dioxide (CO) and water (HO), along with light energy. Q9: Q10: Why is oxygen represented as O instead of just O? What is the role of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin cycle? A: A: Oxygen atoms are more stable as O (molecular oxygen), ATP and NADPH provide the energy and electrons needed which is why it naturally exists as a diatomic to convert CO into glucose. molecule. Q11: Q12: Why are chloroplasts green in color? What is the significance of the stomata in photosynthesis? A: Chloroplasts are green because they contain A: chlorophyll, which reflects green light. Stomata are openings on the leaf surface that allow for the exchange of gases (CO intake and O release). Q13: Q14: What happens during the light-dependent reactions? What role does water (HO) play in photosynthesis? A: A: During the light-dependent reactions, light energy is Water is split during the light-dependent reactions to converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and produce electrons, hydrogen ions, and oxygen (O). NADPH. Q15: Q16: How is the energy from sunlight captured and used in What is photorespiration and why is it considered photosynthesis? inefficient? A: A: Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll and other pigments, Photorespiration occurs when the enzyme Rubisco fixes exciting electrons that drive the production of ATP and oxygen instead of CO, leading to a wasteful process NADPH. that reduces glucose production. Q17: Q18: How do C and CAM plants adapt to their environments What is the primary difference between C, C, and CAM for photosynthesis? photosynthesis? A: A: C and CAM plants have specialized adaptations to C plants fix carbon directly through the Calvin cycle, minimize water loss and maximize CO uptake under hot while C and CAM plants use different mechanisms to and dry conditions. concentrate CO. Q19: How does carbon fixation occur in the Calvin cycle? A: Carbon fixation involves the enzyme Rubisco adding CO to a five-carbon molecule, resulting in a six-carbon compound that splits into two three-carbon molecules.