Plant structures and their Functions

• What is the process called that allows plants and algae to capture energy from sunlight?

  Photosynthesis
• Why is photosynthesis important for almost all life on Earth?

  It produces glucose and oxygen, which are essential for energy and respiration.
• What do plants and algae use sunlight for during photosynthesis?

  To make glucose
• What is biomass in the context of organisms?

  It refers to the total mass of living matter in an organism.
• How do plants and algae contribute to food chains?

  They produce their own biomass and serve as food for other organisms.
• What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
• Why is photosynthesis considered an endothermic reaction?

  Because it absorbs energy from the surroundings.
• What polymer is formed from glucose during photosynthesis?

  Starch
• What happens to starch after photosynthesis stops?

  It is broken down into simpler substances for use in the cytoplasm.
• What is the role of sucrose in plants?

  Sucrose is transported around the plant for energy and growth.
• What are the reactants in the photosynthesis process?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• Why do the products of photosynthesis have more energy than the reactants?

  Because energy from sunlight is stored in the glucose molecules.
• Which product of photosynthesis is necessary for starch formation?

  Glucose
• At what time of day would starch levels in chloroplasts be highest?

  During the day when photosynthesis is actively occurring.
• How are leaves adapted for photosynthesis?

  They are broad and flat to maximize light absorption.
• What role do stomata play in photosynthesis?

  They allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the leaf.
• How do guard cells regulate stomata?

  They swell with water to open stomata and lose water to close them.
• Why are leaves thin in structure?

  To allow carbon dioxide to diffuse easily to the cells.
• What is gas exchange in the context of leaves?

  It is the process of gases entering and exiting the leaf through stomata.
• How do stomata respond to light conditions?

  They open in light and close in darkness.
• How might water lily leaves differ from typical leaves?

  They may be broader and more buoyant to float on water surfaces.
• What adaptations do palisade cells have for photosynthesis?

  They contain many chloroplasts to maximize light absorption.
• What is the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis?

  Increased light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until a limiting factor occurs.
• What are limiting factors in photosynthesis?

  Factors that prevent the rate of photosynthesis from increasing.
• How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of photosynthesis until enzymes denature.
• What happens to photosynthesis at high altitudes?

  It occurs at lower rates due to reduced air molecule concentration.
• What is the relationship between light intensity and photosynthesis?

  Photosynthesis increases with light intensity until a limiting factor is reached.
• What is the inverse square law in relation to light intensity?

  Light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source.
• If the distance from a light source is doubled, what happens to light intensity?

  It reduces to a quarter of the original intensity.
• What is the effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration on photosynthesis?

  It can increase the rate of photosynthesis until another limiting factor occurs.
• How does the rate of photosynthesis relate to temperature?

  Higher temperatures can increase the rate until enzymes denature.
• What is the purpose of the core practical involving light intensity and photosynthesis?

  To investigate how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.
• What is the role of hydrogen carbonate indicator in the practical?

  It detects changes in pH as algae photosynthesize.
• Why is it important to cover one bottle in kitchen foil during the experiment?

  To keep it in the dark and compare results with light-exposed bottles.
• What should be recorded during the experiment?

  The pH changes in the solutions of each bottle.
• What is the expected outcome of the experiment when light is provided?

  The pH of the solution will change as photosynthesis occurs.
• How do you calculate the change in pH per hour in the experiment?

  By measuring the initial and final pH and dividing by the time taken.
• What is the significance of plotting a graph of the results?

  It visually represents the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis.
• What is the dependent variable in the light intensity and photosynthesis experiment?

  The rate of photosynthesis, indicated by pH changes.
• Why is it important to have a range of distances from the light source?

  To observe how varying light intensities affect photosynthesis.