$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + 	ext{energy} ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Question 2

What is the primary function of the light reactions in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

To produce ATP and NADPH for the Calvin cycle

Question 3

Which pigment is directly involved in the reaction center of photosystems during the light reactions?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll a

Question 4

Why do leaves appear green to our eyes?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll reflects green wavelengths of light

Question 5

What is the role of water in the light reactions of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

It donates electrons to replace those lost by chlorophyll in the reaction center

Question 6

Which structure in the leaf is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Stomata

Question 7

What is the main product of the Calvin cycle that is used to build glucose and other organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P)

Question 8

Which enzyme catalyzes the first step of carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle?

Accepted Answer

Rubisco

Question 9

Why do C4 plants have an advantage over C3 plants in hot, dry environments?

Accepted Answer

They spatially separate carbon fixation from the Calvin cycle, reducing photorespiration

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why CAM plants are adapted to arid environments?

Accepted Answer

They temporally separate carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle, storing malate at night

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of chemiosmosis in the light reactions?

Accepted Answer

Protons are pumped into the thylakoid space, creating a gradient used by ATP synthase to generate ATP

Question 12

If a plant is exposed only to green light, what would you expect to happen to its rate of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

It would decrease because chlorophyll reflects green light

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a product of the light reactions of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 14

What is the main function of accessory pigments such as carotenoids in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

They broaden the spectrum of light that can be used for photosynthesis

Question 15

A mutation disables the enzyme ATP synthase in a plant cell. Which process would be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Production of ATP during the light reactions

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose, while cellular respiration releases it

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct result of photolysis during the light reactions?

Accepted Answer

Release of oxygen gas

Question 18

How many turns of the Calvin cycle are required to produce one molecule of glucose?

Accepted Answer

Six

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the cuticle is important for terrestrial plants?

Accepted Answer

It reduces water loss by forming a waxy, non-polar barrier

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the Calvin cycle is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is an anabolic process that occurs in the stroma and requires ATP and NADPH

Chapter 10: Photosynthesis – Structure, Function, and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions