Photosynthesis

• What is the process by which plants synthesise glucose using light energy from the Sun
• Light energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis takes place within chloroplasts in leaf palisade cells
• Match the photosynthesis equation in word form with its symbolic form:

  Carbon dioxide + water ↔️ 6CO2 + 6H2O

  Glucose + oxygen ↔️ C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction because energy is transferred from the environment to chloroplasts by light.
• The oxygen produced during photosynthesis will relight a glowing splint
• Broad leaves maximize the surface area for photosynthesis.
• Order the following leaf adaptations based on their function in photosynthesis:

  1️⃣ Broad leaves - maximize surface area

  2️⃣ Thin leaves - short diffusion distance

  3️⃣ Veins - transport water and products

  4️⃣ Air spaces - allow CO2 entry and O2 exit
• Match the main factors affecting photosynthesis with their descriptions:

  Temperature ↔️ Affects enzyme activity

  Light intensity ↔️ Provides energy for reaction

  CO2 concentration ↔️ Required to make glucose

  Amount of chlorophyll ↔️ Absorbs light energy
• Increasing the temperature increases the rate of photosynthesis until enzymes become denatured
• Increasing light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting.
• Increasing the carbon dioxide concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting
• A lack of magnesium can decrease the amount of chlorophyll and the rate of photosynthesis.
• A limiting factor is an environmental factor that restricts the rate of photosynthesis
• The rate of photosynthesis can be calculated by measuring oxygen production using a bubble potometer apparatus.
• The inverse square law states that light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance
• Glucose produced during photosynthesis can be used for respiration, starch storage, cellulose production, and amino acid synthesis.