Photosynthesis AP Biology

Front

What is the role of Rubisco in photosynthesis?

Back

Rubisco is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle, where carbon dioxide (CO2) is fixed to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) to form 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).

Front

What is the primary goal of photosynthesis?

Back

The primary goal of photosynthesis is to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Front

Which type of light results in the highest rate of photosynthesis?

Back

White light results in the highest rate of photosynthesis because it contains all wavelengths of light.

Front

What causes photorespiration to occur in plants?

Back

Photorespiration occurs when the stomata are closed, leading to low CO2 levels and high O2 levels, causing Rubisco to fix oxygen instead of carbon dioxide.

Front

How does an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels affect photosynthesis?

Back

An increase in atmospheric CO2 levels typically increases the rate of photosynthesis, as CO2 is a key reactant in the process.

Front

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is the pigment that absorbs light energy, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, and is essential for the light-dependent reactions.

Front

What is the byproduct of photosynthesis?

Back

The byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen (O2), which is released into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the function of the stomata in plants?

Back

Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange, enabling CO2 to enter and O2 to exit.

Front

What is the Calvin cycle?

Back

The Calvin cycle is the series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts, where CO2 is fixed and converted into glucose.