Chapter 6: PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Photosynthesis - The process by which plants manufacture carbohydrates from raw materials
using energy from light.
Word Equation:
Chemical Equation:
Role of chlorophyll:
chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found in chloroplasts
chlorophyll traps light energy and transfers it into chemical energy in molecules, for the
synthesis of carbohydrates
Use and storage of the carbohydrates made in photosynthesis
glucose is converted to starch as an energy store
glucose is converted to cellulose to build cell walls
glucose used in respiration to provide energy
glucose is converted to sucrose for transport in the phloem
glucose is used to make nectar to attract insects for pollination
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Importance of nitrate and magnesium ions
Mineral ion Function Deficiency symptoms
Nitrate To make proteins 1. Reduced / stunted growth.
/ amino acids
2. Upper [newer] leaves pale green; lower
[older] leaves are yellow and have smaller
surface area.
[Growth]
3. Thin stems and smaller roots.
Magnesium To make 1. Yellowing between veins of leaves.
chlorophyll
2. Lower [older] leaves pale green.
3. Upper [newer] leaves are yellow
[Photosynthesis]
Leaf: Internal Structure and Adaptations for photosynthesis
Structures Features of Adaptation to function Function
Cuticle This is a transparent waxy layer It prevents the loss of water due to
which is found on the outermost transpiration.
surface of leaves.
Epidermis 1. Transparent layers with no This allows sunlight to penetrate to
chlorophyll the mesophyll layer.
2. Closely packed cells protect the leaf and prevent the
entry of microbes.
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3. Stomata [mostly in lower Allows diffusion of CO2 into leaf and
epidermis] O2 to diffuse out of leaf.
Mesophyll Contain cells with lots of chloroplasts Chlorophyll in chloroplast absorbs
layers light energy for Photosynthesis in
Palisade and Spongy mesophyll
cells.
Palisade 1. Numerous chloroplasts Chlorophyll in chloroplast absorbs
mesophyll light energy for Photosynthesis.
tissue Palisade tissue is the main
photosynthetic tissue in the leaf.
2. Cells are elongated, arranged Less cell walls to scatter light.
lengthways and end on
3. Palisade cells are closely Allows absorption of maximum
packed together sunlight.
Spongy Oval cells with air spaces between Allows diffusion of CO2 into
mesophyll them mesophyll cells
tissue
Xylem Transports water and minerals to
These tissues are found in the midrib
leaf for photosynthesis.
and veins of the leaf. They form the
Phloem Transports products of
vascular bundles. They are close to
photosynthesis [sugars] from leaves
the mesophyll tissues
to other plant organs.
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Photosynthesis investigations: Textbook pages 107-114
Important points:
1. Steps of the starch test and reasons for starch test. Please see the diagram below and
also read
2. De-starching plants [when using potted plants while investigating the necessity for
light / CO2 for photosynthesis]:
The plant is de-starched by keeping it in a dark place for 12-24 hours. This ensures that
the plant would use up all the pre-existing starch. The starch that will be tested will have
been produced under the experimental conditions.
3. Use of control: for comparison of results, to prove that the factor being investigated
[light / CO2 / chlorophyll] is required for photosynthesis and starch formation.
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Factors limiting the rate of photosynthesis [Limiting factors]
An environmental factor that is in short supply, and is preventing a plant from
photosynthesising any faster, is called a limiting factor.
We can recognise a limiting factor because if the plant is given more of it, the plant
photosynthesises faster.
At A:
• rate of photosynthesis increases as
light intensity increases
• data quote
• Light intensity is limiting factor
At B:
• rate of photosynthesis remains (near)
constant
• data quote
• Light intensity is not the limiting
factor
• Carbon dioxide concentration/
temperature is limiting factor
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Use of the Hydrogencarbonate indicator:
Concentration of CO2 Indicator turns
Highest Yellow
Higher Orange
Atmospheric level Red
Low Magenta
Lowest Purple
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