Photosynthesis

• What is the primary function of photosynthesis?

  To convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose
• Where does photosynthesis take place in plant cells?


  In chloroplasts
• What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

  It absorbs light energy
• How is light energy used in photosynthesis?


  It is trapped and used to drive the photosynthesis process
• What is the chemical equation representing the process of photosynthesis?

  CO2 + O2 → glucose
• How does carbon dioxide enter the leaf for photosynthesis?


  It diffuses into the leaf through the stomata
• What happens to oxygen during photosynthesis?


  It diffuses out of the leaf through the stomata
• What is the term for the exchange of gases in plants?


  Gaseous exchange
• How does water reach the leaves of a plant?


  It enters at the roots and travels to the leaves via the xylem tubes
• What are the main steps involved in photosynthesis?


  • Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll
  • Light energy is converted into chemical energy
  • CO₂ and O₂ are used to produce glucose
  • Water is absorbed by roots and transported via xylem
• How does water travel from the roots to the leaves in plants?


  Water travels via the xylem tubes.
• What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?


  • Reactants: 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight
  • Products: C6H12O6 + 6O2
• What do plants need for photosynthesis?


  Plants need sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
• What is the role of sunlight in photosynthesis?


  Sunlight provides energy for the plant.
• Word equation of photosynthesis

  Carbon dioxide + water + ( sunlight energy ) -> glucose + oxygen
• Chemical equation of photosynthesis

  6CO2 + 6H2O + ( sunlight energy ) -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Photosynthesis

  
• What do plants need for photosynthesis?


  Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
• How does sunlight benefit plants?


  It provides energy for photosynthesis
• How does water travel in plants?


  Water travels up from the roots
• Where does carbon dioxide enter the leaf?


  Through tiny holes on the underside of the leaf
• What is chlorophyll?


  It is a green pigment in plants
• What role does chlorophyll play in plants?


  It is the site where chemical reactions happen
• What mineral is needed to make chlorophyll?

  Magnesium
• How is magnesium absorbed by plants?


  By active transport from the soil
• What are the main components of a leaf's cross-section?

  • Waxy cuticle
  • Upper epidermis
  • Palisade mesophyll layer
  • Spongy mesophyll layer
  • Phloem
  • Xylem vessel
  • Lower epidermis
  • Stoma
  • Guard cell
  • Air spaces
• What is the function of the waxy cuticle on a leaf?


  It helps to reduce water loss
• What is the role of the palisade mesophyll layer?


  It contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis
• What is the function of the spongy mesophyll layer?


  It allows for gas exchange and contains air spaces
• What do phloem and xylem do in a plant?


  Phloem transports nutrients, while xylem transports water
• What are stomata?


  They are tiny holes on the leaf surface
• What is the function of guard cells?


  They regulate the opening and closing of stomata
• What is found in the air spaces of a leaf?


  Air for gas exchange
• What is the function of stomata in plants?


  They allow gas exchange.
• What is the role of the cuticle in plants?


  It prevents water evaporation.
• What is the purpose of the upper epidermis in leaves?


  It allows light to pass through to chloroplasts.
• What is the palisade mesophyll layer packed with?


  Chloroplasts.
• Why is the cell shape in the palisade mesophyll layer important?


  It increases surface area for maximum absorption.
• Where is the palisade mesophyll layer located in the leaf?


  At the top of the leaves.
• What is the function of the spongy mesophyll layer?


  It allows gas exchange through air spaces.