Nutrition

• What is a limiting factor in the context of photosynthesis?

  A limiting factor is something present in short supply that restricts life processes.
• How does the availability of raw materials affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  The rate of photosynthesis is limited by the factor that is in the lowest supply at that time.
• How do chloroplasts and chlorophyll affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  The number of chloroplasts and the amount of chlorophyll can affect the rate of photosynthesis.
• What happens to the rate of successful collisions between particles as temperature decreases?

  As temperature decreases, fewer successful collisions occur over time.
• How does temperature influence the kinetic energy of particles in a plant?

  Temperature affects the kinetic energy of particles, influencing the speed of carbon dioxide and water movement.
• What can happen to enzymes at higher temperatures during photosynthesis?

  Enzymes can be denatured, changing their active site and reducing the rate of photosynthesis.
• What are the three main factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis?

  • Temperature
  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
• Why is water not considered a limiting factor for photosynthesis?

  Water is not considered a limiting factor because the amount needed is small compared to the amount transpired.
• What is the effect of increasing temperature on the rate of photosynthesis?

  Increasing temperature raises kinetic energy, increasing the likelihood of collisions and product formation.
• How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  The more light a plant receives, the faster the rate of photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting.
• What happens when another factor becomes limiting in photosynthesis?

  When another factor becomes limiting, it restricts the rate of photosynthesis from increasing further.
• What role does carbon dioxide play in photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide is a raw material required for photosynthesis.
• How does the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  The more carbon dioxide present, the faster the reaction can occur until another factor limits it.
• How does the number of chloroplasts affect photosynthesis?

  The more chloroplasts a plant has, the faster the rate of photosynthesis.
• What factors can affect the amount of chlorophyll in plants?

  Diseases, lack of nutrients, loss of leaves, and genetic factors can affect chlorophyll levels.
• What disease can affect the amount of chlorophyll in plants?

  Tobacco mosaic virus
• How does a lack of nutrients affect chlorophyll levels?

  A lack of nutrients, such as magnesium, can reduce the amount of chlorophyll.
• What is the effect of having variegated leaves on chlorophyll levels?

  Variegated leaves can indicate genetic factors that affect chlorophyll levels.
• How does the loss of leaves impact the rate of photosynthesis?

  Fewer leaves mean fewer chloroplasts, which can reduce the rate of photosynthesis.
• What is the function of the wax cuticle on a leaf?

  It prevents water from evaporating.
• Why is the upper epidermis of a leaf thin and transparent?

  To allow light to enter the palisade mesophyll layer underneath it.
• What is the primary role of the palisade mesophyll in a leaf?

  To absorb more light, maximizing photosynthesis.
• What is the function of the spongy mesophyll in a leaf?

  It increases the surface area to volume ratio for the diffusion of gases.
• What does the lower epidermis of a leaf contain?

  It contains guard cells and stomata.
• How do guard cells function in relation to stomata?


  They absorb and lose water to open and close the stomata.
• When do stomata typically open and close?

  They open during the day and close during the night.
• What is the role of stomata in a leaf?

  Gas exchange takes place here.
• Why are stomata found in greater concentration on the underside of the leaf?

  To reduce water loss.
• What does a vascular bundle contain?

  It contains xylem and phloem.
• What is the function of xylem in a leaf?

  It transports water into the leaf for photosynthesis.
• What does phloem transport in a plant?

  It transports sucrose and amino acids around the plant.
• What is the purpose of the large surface area of leaves?

  To increase the area for the diffusion of carbon dioxide and absorption of light for photosynthesis
• Why are leaves thin?

  To allow carbon dioxide to diffuse to palisade mesophyll cells quickly
• What role does chlorophyll play in leaves?

  It absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
• What is the function of the network of veins in a leaf?

  • Transport water to the cells of the leaf
  • Transport carbohydrates from the leaf
  • Water is used for photosynthesis
  • Carbohydrates are a product of photosynthesis
• What is the function of stomata in leaves?

  They allow carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and oxygen to diffuse out
• What is the characteristic of the epidermis in leaves?

  It is thin and transparent, allowing more light to reach the palisade cells
• What is the purpose of the thin cuticle on leaves?

  To protect the leaf without blocking sunlight
• How does the palisade cell layer contribute to photosynthesis?

  It maximizes the absorption of light as it hits the chloroplasts directly
• What is the function of the spongy layer in leaves?

  It contains air spaces that allow carbon dioxide to diffuse through the leaf