Photosynthesis

• What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?


  6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
• What do plants, algae, some protists, and some bacteria have in common?


  They are capable of carrying out photosynthesis.
• What is believed about the evolution of photosynthesis?


  It first evolved in some prokaryotes responsible for producing an oxygenated atmosphere.
• What is the relationship between the products of photosynthesis and the reactants of Cellular Respiration?


  The products of photosynthesis are the reactants in Cellular Respiration.
• What are the reactants and products of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration?


  • Photosynthesis:
  • Reactants: CO₂ and Water
  • Products: Glucose and Oxygen
  • Cellular Respiration:
  • Reactants: Glucose and Oxygen
  • Products: CO₂ and Water
• How do plants and humans interact in terms of respiration?


  Plants provide oxygen for humans, and humans provide carbon dioxide for plants.
• Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?


  In the chloroplasts.
• What is the structure of chloroplasts?


  • Thylakoid: Contains chlorophyll, site of light reactions.
  • Grana: Stack of thylakoids.
  • Stroma: Watery space surrounding thylakoids, site of light-independent reactions.
• What is the role of thylakoids in chloroplasts?


  They are the site of light reactions of photosynthesis.
• What do thylakoids contain that is essential for photosynthesis?


  Chlorophyll.
• What are the two types of photosystems in the light-dependent reactions?


  Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI).
• What is the function of Photosystem I (P700)?


  It is responsible for ATP and NADPH production.
• What is the function of Photosystem II (P680)?


  It is responsible for ATP production only.
• What happens when sunlight hits the water in the stroma?


  Excited electrons travel down the electron transport chain.
• What is the role of proton pumps in the light-dependent reactions?


  They actively transport H+ into the thylakoid space.
• What is the significance of the concentration gradient created by H+ ions in the thylakoid space?


  It is a source of potential energy for ATP production.
• What happens to H+ ions during the light-dependent reactions?


  They are released through the ATP synthase complex to produce ATP.
• What are the products of the Light Dependent Reaction?


  ATP, NADPH, and O₂.
• What are the three phases of the Calvin Cycle?


  1. Carbon Fixation
  2. Reduction
  3. Regeneration
• What occurs during the Carbon Fixation phase of the Calvin Cycle?


  CO₂ is attached to RuBP carboxylase, forming an unstable 6 carbon compound.
• What happens during the Reduction phase of the Calvin Cycle?


  PGA is energized using ATP and NADPH, resulting in 3 highly energized G3P.
• What is the purpose of the Regeneration phase in the Calvin Cycle?


  To regenerate RuBP using ATP from the light-dependent reaction.
• How many G3P molecules are yielded from every 3 CO₂ in the Calvin Cycle?


  6 G3P molecules.
• What is the relationship between wavelength and energy in light?


  • Red light has the longest wavelength and least energy.
  • Blue light has the shortest wavelength and most energy.
  • Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportionate.
• What are photons?


  Units of energy that light travels in.
• How do plants utilize light energy?

  • Absorbed colors are usable light energy (reds and blues).
  • Reflected colors are not usable (this is why plants appear green).
• What is the main pigment found in all plants and algae?

  Chlorophyll A.
• What is the role of Chlorophyll B in photosynthesis?


  It helps Chlorophyll A receive sunlight energy.
• What are carotenoids?


  Accessory pigments that help Chlorophyll A.
• What colors do carotenoids represent?


  Red, orange, or yellow pigments.