B8 - Photosynthesis

Is photosynthesis an endothermic or exothermic reaction?

endothermic

Explain the process of photosynthesis

During photosynthesis, energy is transferred from the environment to the chloroplast by light. It is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar (glucose). Oxygen is also formed and released as a by-product.

What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide + water ----(light)---> glucose + oxygen

What can the rate of photosynthesis be affected by?

light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide level, amount of chlorophyll

Why does the rate of photosynthesis drop after 40-50 degrees?

Most enzymes are denatured

What does plant and algal cells use the glucose produced in photosynthesis for?

Respiration, to convert into insoluble starch for storage, to produce fats or oils for storage, to produce cellulose to strengthen cell walls , and to produce amino acids to make protein.

What do plant and algal cells need nitrate ions for?

They need the nitrate ions absorbed from the soil to make amino acids which is then synthesized for protein.

The factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis...

interact and any one of them could limit photosynthesis

Why is limiting factors important for photosynthesis?

Important in the economics of enhancing the conditions in greenhouses to gain the maximum rate of photosynthesis while still maintaining profit.

Describe an investigation to see how light intensity affects rate of photosynthesis?

Place a piece of pondweed into a beaker of water

use a light a set distance from the plant

record the number of bubbles observed in 3 minutes

repeat at different distances

improvements such as a gas syringe,repeating experiments and calculating a mean, use a glass tank between lamp and plant to prevent heating of the plant or using a n LED bulb that emits little heat energy.