Biology · Interaction and interdependence

C1.3 — Photosynthesis

Biology · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. C1.3.1

   Transformation of light energy to chemical energy when carbon compounds are produced in photosynthesis

   Explain photosynthesis as the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.

2. C1.3.2

   Conversion of carbon dioxide to glucose in photosynthesis using hydrogen obtained by splitting water

   Write the word equation, and explain how splitting water supplies hydrogen.

3. C1.3.3

   Oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis in plants, algae and cyanobacteria

   State that oxygen is a by-product of photolysis, and name the three groups that photosynthesize.

4. C1.3.4

   Separation and identification of photosynthetic pigments by chromatography

   Separate photosynthetic pigments by chromatography and identify them by colour and Rf value.

5. C1.3.5

   Absorption of specific wavelengths of light by photosynthetic pigments

   Explain why pigments absorb only certain wavelengths, and interpret absorption spectra.

6. C1.3.6

   Similarities and differences of absorption and action spectra

   Compare absorption and action spectra, and plot an action spectrum from rate data.

7. C1.3.7

   Techniques for varying concentrations of carbon dioxide, light intensity or temperature experimentally to investigate the effects of limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis

   Vary carbon dioxide, light intensity or temperature to test limiting factors.

8. C1.3.8

   Carbon dioxide enrichment experiments as a means of predicting future rates of photosynthesis and plant growth

   Explain greenhouse and FACE carbon dioxide enrichment experiments, and the lab-versus-field trade-off.

9. C1.3.9

   Photosystems as arrays of pigment molecules that can generate and emit excited electrons

   Explain photosystems as pigment arrays that funnel energy to a reaction centre.

10. C1.3.10

    Advantages of the structured array of different types of pigment molecules in a photosystem

    Explain the two advantages of a structured array over a single pigment molecule.

11. C1.3.11

    Generation of oxygen by the photolysis of water in photosystem II

    Explain photolysis in photosystem II, and its consequences for Earth's atmosphere.

12. C1.3.12

    ATP production by chemiosmosis in thylakoids

    Explain ATP production by chemiosmosis in thylakoids, from cyclic and non-cyclic sources.

13. C1.3.13

    Reduction of NADP by photosystem I

    Explain how photosystem I reduces NADP, and how the two photosystems are linked.

14. C1.3.14

    Thylakoids as systems for performing the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis

    State where photolysis, ATP synthesis and NADP reduction happen in a thylakoid.

15. C1.3.15

    Carbon fixation by Rubisco

    Explain carbon fixation by Rubisco, and why so much of the enzyme is needed.

16. C1.3.16

    Synthesis of triose phosphate using reduced NADP and ATP

    Explain how ATP and reduced NADP convert glycerate 3-phosphate to triose phosphate.

17. C1.3.17

    Regeneration of RuBP in the Calvin cycle using ATP

    Explain why five-sixths of triose phosphate must regenerate RuBP.

18. C1.3.18

    Synthesis of carbohydrates, amino acids and other carbon compounds using the products of the

    Explain how Calvin cycle products plus mineral nutrients build all other carbon compounds.

19. C1.3.19

    Interdependence of the light-dependent and light-independent reactions

    Explain why the two halves of photosynthesis depend on each other, and which limits the rate.