U2 L2 Photosynthesis Molecular Modeling Check For Understanding

What is the pigment in chloroplasts that performs photosynthesis?

• Chlorophyll

• Chlorosynthesis

• ADP

• Electron Transport

Answer explanation

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in chloroplasts that captures light energy for photosynthesis, enabling plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy. The other options do not represent a pigment involved in this process.

The stacks of disks in the chloroplast are called

• Thylakoid

• Grana

• Lamellae

• Stroma

Answer explanation

The stacks of disks in the chloroplast are called thylakoids. They are organized into structures known as grana, but the individual disk-like membranes are specifically referred to as thylakoids.

Which of the following equations best represents the chemical reaction for photosynthesis?

• 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O --> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

• C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ --> 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O

• C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 CO₂ --> 6 O₂ + 6 H₂O

• 6 H₂O + 6 O₂ --> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 CO₂

Answer explanation

The correct equation for photosynthesis shows that carbon dioxide (6 CO2) and water (6 H2O) are converted into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (6 O2), which is accurately represented in the first choice.

Which of the following light color is absorbed by plants?

• Green

• Yellow

• Red

• Blue

Answer explanation

Plants primarily absorb red and blue light for photosynthesis, while green light is mostly reflected, which is why plants appear green. Therefore, the correct answers are red and blue.

The enzyme that is responsible for breaking carbon dioxide (CO₂) down into Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) is

• G3P

• PGA

• RuBP

• RuBisCo

Answer explanation

RuBisCo is the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of carbon dioxide with ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), breaking CO2 down into carbon and oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.

Glucose is a

• Lipid

• Carbohydrate

• Protein

• Nucleic Acid

Answer explanation

Glucose is a simple sugar and is classified as a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as a primary energy source for the body.

What is responsible for breaking the water (H₂O) molecules down into Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O)?

• RuBisCo

• Heat

• Electrolysis

• Sunlight

Answer explanation

Sunlight is responsible for breaking down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen during photosynthesis. This process uses light energy to split water, making it essential for plant life and oxygen production.

If a plant does not use all of the glucose it creates, what does it store it as?

• Muscle

• Fat

• Fruits / Vegetables

• More Leaves

Answer explanation

Plants store excess glucose primarily as starch, but they also convert it into fruits and vegetables for energy storage and reproduction. Thus, the correct answer is 'Fruits / Vegetables'.

In which part of the plant cell does photosynthesis take place?

• Nucleus

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplast

• Ribosome

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy. The nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes do not perform this function.

Which choice correctly shows the gas input and output of plants during photosynthesis?

• Input: Oxygen
  Output: Carbon dioxide

• Input: Water vapor
  Output: Glucose

• Input: Carbon dioxide

  Output: Oxygen

• Input: Light
  Output: Water vapor

Answer explanation

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Therefore, the correct choice is: Input: Carbon dioxide, Output: Oxygen.