A Level Photosynthesis

Front

What is Photosynthesis?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants that absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, to drive the photosynthesis process.

Front

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Back

The two main stages of photosynthesis are the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle).

Front

What is NADP+ and its role in photosynthesis?

Back

NADP+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) is an electron carrier that accepts electrons during the light-dependent reactions and is reduced to NADPH.

Front

What is ATP Synthase and its function?

Back

ATP Synthase is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, using the energy from H+ ions.

Front

What is the electron transport chain (ETC) in photosynthesis?

Back

The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes in the thylakoid membrane that transfer electrons from water to NADP+, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Front

What is the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The Calvin Cycle is the light-independent stage of photosynthesis where carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions.

Front

How does light energy affect photosynthesis?

Back

Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments, initiating the light-dependent reactions that produce ATP and NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin Cycle.

Front

What is the significance of water in photosynthesis?

Back

Water is a reactant in photosynthesis that provides electrons and protons, and its splitting during the light-dependent reactions releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Front

What is the function of the thylakoid membrane?

Back

The thylakoid membrane houses the components of the light-dependent reactions, including chlorophyll and the electron transport chain.