Photosynthesis

Question 1

What is photosynthesis?

Answer 1

When plants and algae convert light energy into chemical energy
Split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using light energy
Light energy is trapped by chlorophyll

Question 2

What is the photosynthesis word equation and balanced symbol?

Answer 2

Carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen (+energy)

6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Question 3

What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 3

Carbon dioxide concentration
Light intensity
Temperature

Question 4

Describe the structure of a leaf and how it is adapted for photosynthesis

Answer 4

Waxy cuticle
Upper Epidermis 
Palisade layer 
Spongy layer 
Lower epidermis - guard cell, stoma

Question 5

What minerals and ions do plants need and for what?

Answer 5

Growth - mineral ions
Chlorophyll - Magnesium ions
Amino acids - Nitrate ions

Question 6

How are leaves adapted for photosynthesis?

Answer 6

Darker green on top - more chlorophyll
Stomata - on underside to let in CO2 and let out O2
Green - contains chlorophyll to absorb light
Large surface area to absorb light
Veins to provide support - transport water into the leaf
Thin - large SA:V + short diffusion distance for CO2, flat absorbs light