Photosynthesis: The Power of Plants

What is the main purpose of photosynthesis?

• • A) To release oxygen

• • B) To make food for the plant

• • C) To produce carbon dioxide

• D) To absorb sunlight

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a form of sugar) for energy.

Which pigment is primarily responsible for capturing light energy in photosynthesis?

• • A) Chlorophyll

• D) Anthocyanin

• • B) Carotene

• • C) Xanthophyll

In which part of the plant does photosynthesis primarily occur?

• • A) Roots

• D) Flowers

• • C) Leaves

• • B) Stems

What are the end products of photosynthesis?

• D) Oxygen and nitrogen

• • C) Nitrogen and glucose

• • A) Oxygen and glucose

• • B) Carbon dioxide and water

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

• A) Respiration and fermentation

• • B) Light-dependent and light-independent reactions

• • C) Absorption and release of energy

• D) Photosystem I and Photosystem II
  

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis has two main stages: the light-dependent reactions (which capture energy from sunlight) and the light-independent reactions (which use that energy to produce glucose).

What is produced as a by-product of photosynthesis?

• • A) Glucose

• • B) Oxygen

• • C) Water

• D) Carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

Oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a by-product during photosynthesis.

What is the chemical formula for photosynthesis?

Answer explanation

The general equation for photosynthesis shows that carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen using energy from sunlight.

Photosynthesis occurs in the __________ of plant cells.

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place. They contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures sunlight for the process.

The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place in the __________ membrane of the chloroplast.

Answer explanation

The thylakoid membranes inside the chloroplast are where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur. These reactions capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in ATP and NADPH.

During photosynthesis, light energy is captured by the pigment __________.

Answer explanation

• Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plant cells that absorbs light, especially in the blue and red wavelengths, to initiate photosynthesis.