6.1

Photosynthesis

12 flashcards to master Photosynthesis

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Definition Flip

What is photosynthesis?

Answer Flip

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates (glucose) from raw materials (carbon dioxide and water) using energy from light. Chlorophyll captures light energy, converting it into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Definition Flip

State the word equation for photosynthesis.

Answer Flip

Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen (in the presence of light and chlorophyll). This equation summarizes the reactants and products of the photosynthetic process.

Key Concept Flip

Where is chlorophyll found, and what is its function?

Answer Flip

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in chloroplasts within plant cells. Its primary function is to absorb light energy, which is then transferred into chemical energy for the synthesis of carbohydrates during photosynthesis.

Definition Flip

What is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Answer Flip

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation shows the exact number of molecules required and produced in the process of photosynthesis, emphasizing the conservation of mass.

Key Concept Flip

Name three uses and storage forms of carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis.

Answer Flip

1) Starch as an energy store (

Example: in potato tubers). 2) Cellulose to build cell walls (. in all plant cells). 3) Glucose used in respiration to provide energy (. in root cells).
Key Concept Flip

Explain the importance of nitrate ions for plant growth.

Answer Flip

Nitrate ions are essential for making amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are vital for plant growth, enzyme production, and various metabolic processes; deficiency leads to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the importance of magnesium ions for plant growth.

Answer Flip

Magnesium ions are essential for making chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis. Magnesium deficiency leads to chlorosis, causing leaves to turn yellow due to reduced chlorophyll production.

Key Concept Flip

Outline a simple experiment to investigate the need for light for photosynthesis.

Answer Flip

Use two plants. Place one in light and one in darkness. After a few days, test a leaf from each for starch using iodine solution. The leaf from the plant in the light should test positive for starch (blue-black colour change), indicating photosynthesis occurred, while the other does not.

Key Concept Flip

What are the three main limiting factors of photosynthesis?

Answer Flip

The three main limiting factors of photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. The rate of photosynthesis is limited by the factor that is in shortest supply.

Key Concept Flip

How does increasing light intensity generally affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer Flip

Generally, increasing light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis, up to a certain point. Beyond that point, other factors like carbon dioxide or temperature become limiting.

Example: shade plants saturate at lower light intensities than sun plants.
Key Concept Flip

How does the rate of photosynthesis generally respond to increases in carbon dioxide concentration?

Answer Flip

Increasing the carbon dioxide concentration generally increases the rate of photosynthesis, up to a saturation point. Beyond this point, the rate plateaus as other factors like light intensity or temperature become limiting.

Example: Plants in greenhouses can have increased CO2 to increase yield.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis, and why.

Answer Flip

Increasing temperature generally increases the rate of photosynthesis, as it increases the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, beyond an optimal temperature, the rate decreases because the enzymes involved in photosynthesis become denatured (

Example: Rubisco), reducing their efficiency.

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5.1 Enzymes 6.2 Leaf structure

Key Questions: Photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates (glucose) from raw materials (carbon dioxide and water) using energy from light. Chlorophyll captures light energy, converting it into chemical energy stored in glucose.

State the word equation for photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen (in the presence of light and chlorophyll). This equation summarizes the reactants and products of the photosynthetic process.

What is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation shows the exact number of molecules required and produced in the process of photosynthesis, emphasizing the conservation of mass.

About Photosynthesis (6.1)

These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Photosynthesis for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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