5: Photosynthesis Flashcards

Explain the processes and factors affecting photosynthesis. (23 cards)

1
Q

What process occurs when light energy causes electrons to be released from chlorophyll molecules in the thylakoid membrane?

A

Photoionisation

Light energy excites electrons in chlorophyll, causing them to leave the molecule.

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2
Q

What molecule acts as the final electron acceptor in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis?

A

NADP

When reduced, it forms reduced NADP (NADPH).

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3
Q

Fill in the blanks:

During the light-dependent reaction, NADP gains electrons and hydrogen ions to become ______ ______.

A

reduced NADP

Reduced NADP carries hydrogen to the Calvin cycle.

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4
Q

What membrane structure in chloroplasts contains the electron transfer chain used in the light-dependent reaction?

A

Thylakoid membrane

Chlorophyll, electron carriers and ATP synthase are embedded here.

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5
Q

What enzyme embedded in the thylakoid membrane catalyses ATP formation during chemiosmosis?

A

ATP synthase

Protons flow through this enzyme, driving ATP synthesis.

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6
Q

True or False:

Photolysis occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast.

A

False

Photolysis occurs at photosystem II in the thylakoid membrane.

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7
Q

What process splits water molecules using light energy during the light-dependent reaction?

A

Photolysis

Produces electrons, protons and oxygen.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank:

The splitting of water during photolysis releases oxygen, electrons and ______.

A

protons

These protons contribute to the proton gradient.

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9
Q

True or False:

The proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane drives ATP synthesis.

A

True

Proton movement through ATP synthase powers ATP production.

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10
Q

What theory explains how electron transport and proton movement drive ATP formation in chloroplasts?

A

Chemiosmotic theory

Involves proton gradients across membranes.

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11
Q

Which enzyme catalyses the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle?

A

Rubisco

Catalyses the reaction between CO2 and RuBP.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank:

In the Calvin cycle, carbon dioxide reacts with ______ to form two molecules of GP.

A

RuBP

RuBP stands for ribulose bisphosphate.

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13
Q

What three-carbon molecule is produced when CO2 reacts with RuBP in the Calvin cycle?

A

GP

GP stands for glycerate 3-phosphate.

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14
Q

What three-carbon molecule is produced when GP is reduced using ATP and reduced NADP?

A

Triose phosphate

Often abbreviated to TP.

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15
Q

True or False:

All triose phosphate molecules produced in the Calvin cycle are converted into glucose.

A

False

Some regenerate RuBP to keep the cycle running.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank:

Energy for reducing GP to triose phosphate is supplied by ______ and reduced NADP.

A

ATP

Both originate from the light-dependent reaction.

17
Q

What stage of photosynthesis uses ATP and reduced NADP to produce carbohydrates?

A

Calvin cycle

Also known as the light-independent reaction.

18
Q

True or False:

Carbon dioxide concentration can limit the rate of photosynthesis.

A

True

Low CO2 levels reduce the rate of carbon fixation.

19
Q

Name one environmental factor, other than carbon dioxide, that can limit photosynthesis.

A

Light intensity

Temperature is another common limiting factor.

20
Q

Why do commercial greenhouses often increase carbon dioxide levels?

A

It increase the photosynthesis rate.

Higher CO2 reduces limitation and boosts crop yield.

21
Q

True or False:

Increasing temperature always increases the rate of photosynthesis indefinitely.

A

False

Above the optimum temperature, enzymes denature and the rate falls.

22
Q

What laboratory technique is used to separate photosynthetic pigments extracted from leaves?

A

Chromatography

Used in required practical investigations of leaf pigments.

23
Q

What type of organisms are commonly used to measure photosynthesis rate in school experiments with bubbles or oxygen production?

A

Aquatic plants

Examples include pondweed such as Elodea.