The Chloroplast

• What are the adaptations of palisade cells for photosynthesis?

  • Contain many chloroplasts
  • Absorb red and blue light
  • Have a regular tessellating shape
• How do chloroplasts contribute to photosynthesis?

  They absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy
• What are the main parts of a chloroplast and their functions?

  • Outer envelope: Protects the chloroplast
  • Stroma: Site of the Calvin cycle
  • Thylakoids: Contain chlorophyll and are involved in light reactions
• What is the role of the stroma in chloroplasts?

  It is where the Calvin cycle occurs
• What is the function of thylakoids in chloroplasts?

  They are involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
• What pigments are found in chloroplasts?

  Chlorophyll and carotenoids
• Why do chloroplasts appear green?

  Because they contain chlorophyll, which reflects green light
• How do the adaptations of palisade cells enhance their efficiency in photosynthesis?

  By maximizing light absorption and optimizing gas exchange
• How do chloroplasts absorb light energy?

  Through photosynthetic pigments in the thylakoid membrane
• Why is the large surface area of thylakoids important for chloroplast function?

  It maximizes the absorption of light energy
• What is the role of the thylakoid membrane in chloroplasts?

  It is impermeable to H+ ions, allowing a proton gradient to be established
• How is ATP produced in chloroplasts?

  By chemiosmosis due to the H+ gradient
• What are the key structural adaptations of chloroplasts for their function?

  • Thylakoid membranes contain photosynthetic pigments
  • Large surface area due to highly folded thylakoids
  • Impermeable to H+ ions to establish a proton gradient
  • Stroma contains enzymes for the Calvin Cycle