Bioenergetics

• What do plants use to make their own food?

  Light, water, and carbon dioxide
• Why are plants referred to as producers in food chains?


  Because they can make their own food
• What type of reaction is photosynthesis classified as?


  Endothermic reaction
• How is energy transferred to chloroplasts during photosynthesis?


  By light from the environment
• Where does most photosynthesis take place in a plant?


  • In the leaves of the plant
  • In specialized mesophyll cells
  • Packed with chloroplasts containing chlorophyll
• What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?


  To absorb light energy
• What are the sugars produced by photosynthesis used for in plants?


  To make all the substances a plant needs and for respiration
• How do plants use the sugars produced in photosynthesis?


  In respiration to release energy
• What is the word equation for photosynthesis?


  Carbon dioxide + water + sunlight -> glucose + oxygen
• What is the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?


  6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• What is one of the primary uses of glucose produced in photosynthesis?


  It is used in respiration to produce energy for the plant.
• How does glucose contribute to the strength of plant cell walls?

  Glucose is used to make cellulose, which strengthens cell walls.
• What role do glucose and nitrate ions play in protein synthesis?


  Glucose combines with nitrate ions to make amino acids, which are then used to produce proteins.
• What is one way glucose is stored in plants for long-term energy?


  It is stored as fats and oils.
• Why is glucose stored as starch in plants?


  Starch is insoluble and better for storage, especially in roots and leaves.
• What are the main uses of glucose produced during photosynthesis in plants?


  • Respiration: Produces energy for the plant
  • Making Cellulose: Strengthens cell walls
  • Making Amino Acids: Combines with nitrate ions to produce proteins
  • Stored as Fats + Oils: Long-term energy storage and lipids for seeds
  • Stored as Starch: Insoluble storage in roots and leaves
• What are the main limiting factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  • Carbon Dioxide concentration
  • Light intensity
  • Temperature
• How does high concentration of carbon dioxide affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  The rate increases
• How does strong light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  The rate increases
• How does high temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  The rate increases
• What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  Temperature, light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and chlorophyll
• How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  • Affects kinetic energy of particles
  • Lower temperature results in fewer successful collisions
  • Higher temperature increases likelihood of collisions
  • Excessive heat can denature enzymes, reducing the rate
• How does temperature influence the kinetic energy of particles in a plant?


  Higher temperatures increase kinetic energy, while lower temperatures decrease it
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis at lower temperatures?


  Fewer successful collisions occur due to lower kinetic energy
• What is the effect of increasing temperature on the likelihood of collisions between reactants and enzymes?


  It increases the likelihood of collisions, leading to more product formation
• What can happen to enzymes at higher temperatures during photosynthesis?


  They can be denatured, reducing the overall rate of photosynthesis
• How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?


  • More light increases the rate of photosynthesis
  • Rate continues to increase until another limiting factor is in short supply
• What is the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis?


  Higher light intensity leads to a faster rate of photosynthesis
• What role does carbon dioxide concentration play in photosynthesis?


  • Carbon dioxide is a raw material for photosynthesis
  • More carbon dioxide increases the reaction rate
  • Rate continues to increase until another limiting factor is in short supply
• Why is carbon dioxide important for photosynthesis?


  It is one of the raw materials required for the process
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis as carbon dioxide concentration increases?


  The reaction can occur faster with more carbon dioxide present
• How does the number of chloroplasts affect photosynthesis?


  • More chloroplasts lead to a faster rate of photosynthesis
  • Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy
• What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?


  It absorbs light energy necessary for the process
• What factors can affect the amount of chlorophyll in a plant?


  Diseases, lack of nutrients, and loss of leaves
• What is aerobic respiration?


  Respiration using oxygen
• What type of reaction is cellular respiration?


  It is an exothermic reaction
• What does the chemical process of cellular respiration release?


  It releases energy
• Why do organisms need energy?

  • For chemical reactions to build larger molecules from smaller molecules
  • For muscle contraction
  • For keeping warm
• What is one reason organisms need energy related to chemical reactions?


  To build larger molecules from smaller molecules
• How does energy relate to muscle function in organisms?

  Energy is needed for muscle contraction