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Photosynthesis - General Biology

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  • What is photosynthesis?

    Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

  • Where does photosynthesis occur in plant cells?

    Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, specifically within the thylakoid membranes and stroma.

  • What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

    The two main stages are the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

  • What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

    Chlorophyll is the primary pigment that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

  • What is the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis?

    6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2

  • What happens during the light-dependent reactions?

    Light energy is captured by chlorophyll and used to produce ATP and NADPH, while water is split to release oxygen.

  • What is photolysis?

    Photolysis is the splitting of water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons during the light-dependent reactions.

  • What is the role of ATP and NADPH in photosynthesis?

    ATP and NADPH provide the energy and reducing power needed for the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose.

  • Where does the Calvin cycle take place?

    The Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast.

  • What are the three phases of the Calvin cycle?

    The phases are carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of the CO2 acceptor.

  • What enzyme catalyzes carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle?

    Rubisco catalyzes the fixation of CO2 to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).

  • What molecule is the first stable product of carbon fixation?

    The first stable product is 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).

  • How is glucose produced in photosynthesis?

    Glucose is synthesized from G3P molecules produced in the Calvin cycle, which are combined to form sugars.

  • Why is photosynthesis important for life on Earth?

    Photosynthesis produces oxygen and organic molecules that serve as energy sources for most living organisms.

  • What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

    Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water availability affect photosynthesis rate.

  • What is the function of the thylakoid membrane?

    The thylakoid membrane houses the photosystems and electron transport chain for light-dependent reactions.

  • What are photosystems?

    Photosystems are protein-pigment complexes that capture light energy and drive electron transport.

  • What is the difference between Photosystem I and Photosystem II?

    Photosystem II absorbs light first and splits water; Photosystem I absorbs light later to produce NADPH.

  • What is cyclic electron flow?

    Cyclic electron flow recycles electrons to produce additional ATP without producing NADPH or oxygen.

  • How does the plant balance ATP and NADPH production?

    Plants use cyclic electron flow to produce extra ATP when the Calvin cycle requires more ATP than NADPH.