photosynthesis

• What do plants produce through photosynthesis?

  Glucose and oxygen
• Why is the food produced by plants important?

  It supports both plants and other organisms
• Which organisms besides plants can perform photosynthesis?

  Algae
• What happens to plant biomass as a result of photosynthesis?

  It increases
• What is the role of light energy in photosynthesis?

  It converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose
• What is the equation summarizing photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
• What type of reaction is photosynthesis?

  Endothermic reaction
• What pigment absorbs light energy for photosynthesis?

  Chlorophyll
• Where is chlorophyll located in plant cells?

  In chloroplasts
• What is the main organ for photosynthesis in plants?

  Leaves
• How does carbon dioxide enter the leaves?

  Through the stomata
• How does water enter the plant?

  Through the roots
• What is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis?

  Oxygen
• What happens to some of the glucose produced by photosynthesis?

  It is used for respiration
• What is glucose used for in plants?

  To make materials needed for growth
• What are the uses of glucose not used for respiration?

  • Starch: storage form of carbohydrate
  • Cellulose: builds cell walls, adds strength
  • Lipids: stored in seeds as fats/oils
  • Amino acids: combined with nitrates to form proteins
• What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature
• How does light intensity affect photosynthesis?

  Increases the rate until another factor limits
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis at low light intensities?

  It increases linearly
• What occurs at very high light intensities?

  Photosynthesis is slowed
• How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

  Increased concentration raises the rate
• How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  It increases until enzymes are denatured
• What limits the rate of photosynthesis at low temperatures?

  Number of collisions between enzymes and substrate
• What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

  They are denatured
• What is the law of limiting factors in photosynthesis?

  • Each factor does not work in isolation
  • Several factors may interact
  • Any one factor can be limiting
• How do light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration interact?

  Increasing one can increase the rate until limited
• What is the effect of high carbon dioxide concentration and high temperature on photosynthesis?

  Temperature may become limiting
• What are the main structures of flowering plants?

  Flower, leaf, stem, roots
• What is the primary function of leaves?

  Photosynthesis
• What adaptations do leaves have for photosynthesis?

  • Large surface area: absorbs more light
  • Thin: short distance for gas diffusion
  • Chlorophyll: absorbs sunlight for energy
  • Network of veins: supports and transports
  • Stomata: allows gas exchange
• What is the internal structure of a leaf adapted for?

  • Thin epidermis: allows light penetration
  • Waxy cuticle: prevents water loss
  • Palisade layer: maximizes light absorption
  • Air spaces: facilitate gas diffusion
• What do palisade cells contain to aid photosynthesis?

  Many chloroplasts
• What is the purpose of the waxy cuticle on leaves?

  To protect and prevent water loss
• How do guard cells function in leaves?

  They regulate gas exchange through stomata
• What is the role of air spaces in leaves?

  Allow carbon dioxide to diffuse through the leaf