$$6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

$$6 	ext{CO}_2 + 6 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} + 	ext{Light energy} ightarrow 	ext{C}_6	ext{H}_{12}	ext{O}_6 + 6 	ext{O}_2$$

Question 2

In the process of photosynthesis, which molecule is reduced and which is oxidized?

Accepted Answer

CO$$_2 is $$reduced and H$$_2O is $$oxidized

Question 3

Which structure within the chloroplast is the primary site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Thylakoid membrane

Question 4

What is the main function of stomata in plant leaves?

Accepted Answer

To allow gas exchange of CO$$_2$$ and O$$_2$$

Question 5

Which pigment is primarily responsible for the absorption of light energy during photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll a

Question 6

According to the absorption spectrum, which wavelengths of light are most effective for photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Violet-blue and red

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They absorb excessive light that would damage chlorophyll

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the energy transformation that occurs during photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Light energy is converted to chemical energy

Question 9

A plant is exposed only to green light. What is the most likely effect on the rate of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

The rate of photosynthesis will decrease

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct?

Accepted Answer

Visible light has wavelengths between approximately 380 nm and 750 nm

Question 11

During the light-dependent reactions, what is the final electron acceptor?

Accepted Answer

NADP$$^+$$

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why leaves appear green?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll reflects and transmits green light

Question 13

If a plant's thylakoid membranes were damaged, which process would be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

The light-dependent reactions

Question 14

Which of the following is a product of the light-dependent reactions that is used in the Calvin cycle?

Accepted Answer

NADPH

Question 15

A scientist exposes a plant to only red and blue wavelengths of light. What is the expected outcome for photosynthetic activity?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthetic activity will be high

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the Calvin cycle?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO$$_2 to $$sugar

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of carotenoids in plants?

Accepted Answer

Directly fixing CO$$_2 in $$the Calvin cycle

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the structure of a chloroplast is correct?

Accepted Answer

Grana are stacks of thylakoids where the light-dependent reactions occur

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why plants grown under only green light would have stunted growth?

Accepted Answer

Green light is mostly reflected, not absorbed, so less energy is available for photosynthesis

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between wavelength and energy in the electromagnetic spectrum?

Accepted Answer

Shorter wavelengths have higher energy

Photosynthesis: The Process That Feeds the Biosphere

Study Guide - Practice Questions