Photosynthesis

• What is photosynthesis?

  The process plants use to synthesize glucose
• How is light energy used in photosynthesis?

  It is converted into chemical energy
• Where does photosynthesis take place?

  Within chloroplasts in leaf palisade cells
• What pigment is involved in photosynthesis?

  Chlorophyll absorbs light energy
• What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
• What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?

  6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Is photosynthesis an endothermic or exothermic reaction?

  It is an endothermic reaction
• Why is photosynthesis considered endothermic?

  Energy is transferred from the environment
• How can you demonstrate that a plant gives off oxygen during photosynthesis?

  Collect gas bubbles from a water plant
• What happens to a glowing splint in the presence of oxygen?

  It relights due to oxygen presence
• What are some leaf adaptations that maximize photosynthesis?

  • Broad leaves maximize surface area
  • Thin leaves reduce diffusion distance
  • Chlorophyll traps light energy
  • Veins transport water and products
  • Air spaces allow gas exchange
  • Guard cells control stomata opening
• What are the four main factors affecting photosynthesis rate?

  1. Temperature
  2. Light intensity
  3. Carbon dioxide concentration
  4. Amount of chlorophyll
• How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Higher temperature increases the rate until enzymes denature
• How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Higher light intensity increases the rate until limited
• How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

  Higher CO2 concentration increases the rate until limited
• How does the amount of chlorophyll affect photosynthesis?

  Less chlorophyll decreases the rate of photosynthesis
• What is a limiting factor in photosynthesis?

  An environmental factor that restricts the rate
• How can you calculate the rate of photosynthesis using oxygen production?

  1. Set up bubble potometer apparatus
  2. Measure distance moved by oxygen bubble
  3. Calculate volume of oxygen produced
• How can farmers use knowledge of limiting factors for profit?

  Control factors to maximize photosynthesis rate
• What law describes the relationship between light distance and intensity?

  Inverse square law
• What is the formula for the inverse square law?

  Light intensity ∝ 1 / distance²
• What are five uses of glucose produced during photosynthesis?

  • Respiration
  • Starch for storage
  • Cellulose for strength
  • Amino acids and protein synthesis
  • Lipids for energy storage in seeds