Photosynthesis Flashcards
Describe light and dark reactions in terms of an equation
Light -light + h2o = NADPH and ATP(energy currency) and oxygen released from H2O Dark -co2 +ATP + NADPH = complex carbohydrate
What are the two broad reaction types in photosynthesis? Briefly describe some points about each one
Light reactions - light dependant - splits H2O to release 02 - generate NADPH nadinophene diphosphate and ATP Dark reactions - the Calvin cycle forms sugars in the form of complex carbs from CO2, using ATP and NADPH plus a few more organic molecules - happens independent of light - fixes carbon
What is the equation for the photosynthesis reaction?
Light + CO2 + H2O = glucose and oxygen
What is ATP and ADP Describe the equation involved with the breakdown of ATP
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of a cell. The energy for photosynthesis comes from the energy released when ATP is broken down to ADP ATP + H20 = ADP + Energy for reactions
Describe what is meant by absorption spectrum
The spectrum of light that can be absorbed by the different pigments in plant tissues
What is respiration?
Conversion of biochemical energy in sugar to ATP Release of energy stored in sugars involves a series of biochemical steps that begin in the cytoplasm and then the mitochondria.
What is the chemical equation for respiration
Sugar + 02 = CO2 + H2O + energy
What happens when the energy demands (respiration) of a branch surpass energy production ( photosynthesis )
Self pruning
What is the energy equation associated with net primary production.
NPP (growth) = GPP(photosynthsis) - R (respiration)
What is the compensation point?
The point at which the rates of photosynthesis and respiration are balanced
What is light saturation?
Light intensity at which photosynthesis does not increase any further
What is the difference between sun and shade species
Shade species can photosynthesize at a lower light intensity and have a lower light saturation point. Sun species can absorb a high intensity of light for photosynthesis but can not function well at lower light intensity
What are some limiting factors in photosynthesis?
Light (spacing) Temperature Moisture Nutrients (N, P, Mg, Fe) CO2
How do plants affect the troposphere
Autotrophs Fix atmospheric CO2 Key players in carbon sequestration Add O2 to the atmosphere
How is carbon sequestered by plants?
Locked away in organic compounds like sugars, starches, cellulose, fat, proteins etc Trapped in organic molecules for as long as the tissue remains intact
