Photosynthesis (Unit 5 Flashcard 1)

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

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What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

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The chemical equation for photosynthesis is: @@6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2@@.

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What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

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Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, and is essential for photosynthesis.

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What are chloroplasts?

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Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll and other pigments.

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What is a thylakoid?

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A thylakoid is a membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts that contains chlorophyll and is the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

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What is the stroma in a chloroplast?

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The stroma is the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts where the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis occur.

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What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

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Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants), while heterotrophs are organisms that must consume other organisms for energy (e.g., animals).

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What is the significance of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?

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Carbon dioxide is one of the raw materials used in photosynthesis, and it is converted into glucose during the process.

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How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

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The rate of photosynthesis generally increases with temperature up to a certain point, after which it may decrease due to enzyme denaturation.

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What is the role of water in photosynthesis?

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Water is a raw material in photosynthesis, providing electrons and protons for the light-dependent reactions and is split to release oxygen.