Photosynthesis

• Word equation for photosynthesis

  Carbon dioxide + water -} glucose + oxygen
• Balanced chemical symbol equation for photosynthesis


  6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Is photosynthesis an endo- or exothermic reaction?

  Endothermic
• The energy transfer in photosynthesis

  Light -} chemical energy
• Organelle where photosynthesis occurs in plant cells

  Chloroplasts
• Chloroplasts are filled with what?

  Chlorophyll
• Function of chlorophyll 


  Captures light energy
• Limiting Factor


  Factor affecting the rate of reaction
• 4 limiting factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis

  Temperature

  Light Intesity

  CO2 concentration

  Amount of chlorophyll
• How does the inverse square law apply to photosynthesis?

  The intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source.
• What does the inverse square law mean in practice when considering how plants grow?

  When the light is moved twice as far from the plant it will receive a quarter of the energy.
• Why can’t a commercial grower of plants just increase all three limiting factors of photosynthesis to maximum levels to obtain optimum growth?

  Costs money
• 3 ways glucose produced in photosynthesis is used in plants

  Respiration

  Converted to starch for storage

  Amino acids for proteinsynthesis
• Other than glucose, what do plants need to produce proteins?

  Nitrate ions
• Where are mineral ions absorbed from and through what plant organ?

  Soil - Through the roots