Photosynthesis 2024

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What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water, and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

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What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

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Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun, which is essential for the process of photosynthesis.

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What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

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

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What is the primary function of the light-dependent reactions?

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The primary function of the light-dependent reactions is to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

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What is the Calvin cycle?

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The Calvin cycle is the set of light-independent reactions in photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

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What is the significance of carotenoids in leaves?

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Carotenoids are pigments that provide color to leaves and become visible when chlorophyll breaks down in the fall, contributing to the changing colors of leaves.

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What is a CAM pathway in plants?

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The CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) pathway is a photosynthetic adaptation in some plants, like cacti, that allows them to fix carbon dioxide at night to minimize water loss.

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How does water contribute to photosynthesis?

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Water provides electrons to chlorophyll during the light-dependent reactions and is split into oxygen, protons, and electrons.

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What is the difference between C3, C4, and CAM plants?

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C3 plants fix carbon dioxide directly in the Calvin cycle, C4 plants have a modified pathway to efficiently fix carbon in hot climates, and CAM plants fix carbon at night to reduce water loss.

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What is the byproduct of photosynthesis?

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The byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.