Unit 6 Photosynthesis 19-26 Flashcards
- what is the purpose of the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis?
to generate glucose
what do CAM plants do to minimize photorespiration
they only open their stomata at night when air is cooler
19 (a) what is the source if carbon for this process
carbon dioxide (CO2)
19 (b) define stomata
tiny pores in leaves
20.The calvin cycle is a series of reactions that converts ________ to ________, which are eventually joined together to make ________
carbon dioxide, carbon sugar, glucose
20 (a) what is the source of energy used for these reactions
ATP & NADPH
- What is rubisco?
the enzyme that attaches the molecules of carbon dioxode to the 5-carbon molecule RuBP
21 (a) why is rubisco called the “bridge of life”?
because carbon dioxide is considered a lifeless molecule and it needs help
what wavelengths of light are plants not able to use? why do they appear this color?
green. plants are green because that light is reflected
what do C4 plants do to minimize photorespiration?
moving the carbon fixation process to the mesophyll
- what is dehydration in plants?
water loss through the stomata of leaves
23 (a) how do plants respond to minimize this problem?
they close their stomata to conserve water
23 (b) what additional problem does this cause?
carbon dioxide levels decline and oxygen levels increase
- what happens during photorespiration?
oxygen is added to the calvin cycle instead of carbon dioxide
24 (a) why is this process considered so wasteful?
because no ATP or sugar is produced by this process
