Photosynthesis

• What is the main process by which plants make their own food?

  Photosynthesis
• Why are plants called producers in food chains?

  Because they can make their own food using light, water, and carbon dioxide

  
• What type of reaction is photosynthesis?

  It is an endothermic reaction
• Where does most photosynthesis take place in a plant?

  In the leaves, specifically in specialized mesophyll cells
• What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

  Chlorophyll absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
• What are the reactants needed for photosynthesis?

  Light, water, and carbon dioxide

  
• Why is photosynthesis essential for food chains on Earth?

  It is the primary source of energy for most food chains
• What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Light, water, carbon dioxide, temperature, and chlorophyll amount

  
• Why is water not considered a limiting factor for photosynthesis?

  Because the amount needed is relatively small compared to the amount transpired
• How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Higher temperatures increase kinetic energy, leading to more collisions

  
• What happens to enzymes at high 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 until another factor becomes limiting

  
• What is the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration and the rate of photosynthesis?

  More carbon dioxide increases the rate until another factor limits it

  
• How does the number of chloroplasts affect photosynthesis?

  More chloroplasts lead to a faster rate of photosynthesis
• What can affect the amount of chlorophyll in plants?

  Diseases, lack of nutrients, and loss of leaves
• What is the inverse square law in relation to light intensity?

  Light intensity decreases as the distance from the light source increases

  
• How do commercial horticulturists use greenhouses to enhance photosynthesis?

  They control limiting factors like heat, light, water, and carbon dioxide
• What is the aim of the required practical investigating photosynthesis?

  To investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis

  
• What is a common method to measure the rate of photosynthesis?

  Measuring the volume of oxygen produced by aquatic plants

  
• What is the purpose of testing for starch in leaves?

  To show that photosynthesis has occurred

  
• What is one use of glucose produced in photosynthesis?

  It can be used for respiration

  
• What are the main uses of glucose in plants?

  • Used for respiration (aerobic and anaerobic)
  • Converted into insoluble starch for storage
  • Used to produce fat or oil for storage
  • Used to produce cellulose for cell wall strength
  • Combined with nitrate ions to produce amino acids

  
• What is the qualitative reagent used to test for starch in leaves?

  Iodine solution

  
• What does a positive starch test indicate about a plant?

  It indicates that photosynthesis has taken place

  
• When do plants typically photosynthesize?

  During the day if conditions are right
• What is the relationship between respiration and photosynthesis in plants?

  Plants always respire to release energy but only photosynthesize during the day