Photosynthesis

• What is the primary energy source for photosynthesis?

  Light energy from the sun
• What does photosynthesis convert light energy into?

  Chemical energy stored in glucose
• How is chemical energy used by organisms?

  For growth, reproduction, and metabolism
• What are the two types of energy involved in photosynthesis?

  Light energy and chemical energy
• What compounds are produced during photosynthesis?

  Glucose and oxygen
• What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
• What is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?

  6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
• Where does the hydrogen used to form glucose come from?

  From the splitting of water molecules
• What is released as a by-product of photosynthesis?

  Oxygen
• What is the source of the oxygen produced in photosynthesis?

  From the splitting of water molecules
• What method is used to separate photosynthetic pigments?

  Chromatography
• How is the Rf value calculated in chromatography?

  Distance traveled by pigment / Distance traveled by solvent
• What are the main pigments involved in photosynthesis?

  Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and xanthophylls
• What wavelengths of light does chlorophyll absorb?

  Red and blue light
• What do accessory pigments do in photosynthesis?

  Broaden the range of light energy used
• What is the absorption spectrum?

  Wavelengths of light absorbed by a pigment
• What is the action spectrum?

  Rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths
• How do the absorption and action spectra relate to chlorophyll?

  Action spectrum matches absorption spectrum closely
• What factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis?

  Light intensity, CO₂ concentration, and temperature
• How does light intensity affect photosynthesis?

  Increases rate up to a limiting point
• How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

  Higher levels increase the rate of photosynthesis
• How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

  Optimal temperature increases the rate
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis at extreme temperatures?

  It can reduce the rate
• What are the effects of varying concentrations of carbon dioxide, light intensity, or temperature on photosynthesis?

  • Light Intensity: Rate increases to a point, then levels off.
  • Carbon Dioxide: Rate increases to a plateau.
  • Temperature: Rate increases to an optimum, then decreases.
• What are greenhouse experiments used for?

  To study effects of increased CO₂ on growth
• What is FACE in relation to carbon dioxide enrichment?

  Field experiments increasing CO₂ in ecosystems
• What is the general result of increased CO₂ on photosynthesis?

  Increases rate of photosynthesis and growth
• What are independent and dependent variables in experiments?

  Independent: factor changed; Dependent: measured factor
• What is the independent variable in CO₂ experiments?

  Carbon dioxide concentration
• What is the dependent variable in CO₂ experiments?

  Rate of photosynthesis
• What functions do pigments serve in living organisms?

  Absorb light energy for photosynthesis
• What are the consequences of photosynthesis for ecosystems?

  Supports life and contributes to atmospheric oxygen
• What are the key concepts of photosynthesis covered in the syllabus?

  • Energy transformation from light to chemical.
  • Conversion of CO₂ to glucose.
  • Oxygen as a by-product.
  • Separation of pigments by chromatography.
  • Absorption of specific light wavelengths.
  • Effects of limiting factors on photosynthesis.