plants and photosynthesis

• photosynthesis is ...?

  endothermic
• what is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?

  6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• what are the 5 ways plants use glucose?

  1. respiration
  2. making cellulose (make strong plant cell walls)
  3. making amino acids
  4. stored for oils or fats
  5. stored as starch
• explain respiration in plants?

  transfer of energy from glucose so that the plant can convert the rest of the glucose into other useful substances
• How does glucose make amino acids in plants ?

  glucose is combined with nitrate ions to make amino acids that make up proteins
• why is glucose turned into lipids?

  to store in seeds
• why is glucose stored as starch?

  because starch is insoluble and easier to store as it wont draw in lots of water and swell up
• where is the starch stored?

  in the roots, stems and leaves so that it can be used when the plant can't photosynthesis (winter)
• what are the limiting factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  • temperature (in winter)
  • carbon dioxide concentration (when it's warm enough and bright enough)
  • light (at night)+
  • the amount of chlorophyll may be a factor
• what would we call it when the distance of the plant increases the light intensity decreases?

  inversely proportional
• what does the inverse square law mean?

  1. if you have the distance the light intensity will be 4 times greater
  2. if you double the distance the light intensity will be 4 time smalller+
  3. $light intensity =$$1/d^2$
• How do farmers artificially create the ideal conditions for plants?

  • use a greenhouse that traps the suns heat so that temperature is not the limiting factor
  • may use shades and ventilation during summer
  • artificial light
  • use a paraffin heater (makes C02 as a by-product) to increase C02 levels +