Essential Idea: Photosynthesis uses the energy in sunlight to produce the chemical energy needed for life.
- Outline answer to each objective statement for topic 2.9 (coming soon)
- Quizlet study set for this topic
At SHS, Topic 2.9 is taught in the following class unit(s):
2.9.U1 Photosynthesis is the production of carbon compounds in cells using light energy.
- Define photosynthesis.
- State the chemical equation for photosynthesis.
2.9.U2 Visible light has a range of wavelengths with violet the shortest wavelength and red the longest.
- Define visible light.
- State the relationship between wavelength and energy.
- State the range of wavelengths that fall within the visible spectrum.
2.9.U3 Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively and reflects green light more than other colours.
- Define pigment.
- State the primary and accessory pigments found in chloroplasts.
- Explain why plants are green.
2.9.U4 Oxygen is produced in photosynthesis from the photolysis of water.
- Define photolysis.
- State the equation for photolysis.
- State that the oxygen produced in photolysis is a waste product of photosynthesis.
2.9.U5 Energy is needed to produce carbohydrates and other carbon compounds from carbon dioxide.
- State the energy conversion that occurs during photosynthesis.
2.9.U6 Temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration are possible limiting factors on the rate photosynthesis.
- Define “limiting factor.”
- Explain how the following factors limit the rate of photosynthesis:
- Temperature
- Light intensity
- CO2 concentration
2.9.A1 Changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rock deposition due to photosynthesis.
- State that (some) prokaryotes, algae and plants carry out photosynthesis.
- Define and state evidence for the “Great Oxidation Event.”
2.9.S1 Drawing an absorption spectrum for chlorophyll and an action spectrum for photosynthesis.
- Distinguish between an action spectrum and an absorption spectrum.
- Describe the shape of the curve for an absorption spectrum.
- Describe the shape of the curve for an action spectrum.
2.9.S2 Design an experiment to investigate limiting factors on photosynthesis.
- List mechanism for measuring the rate of photosynthesis.
2.9.S3 Separation of photosynthetic pigments by chromatograph. (Practical 4)
- Outline the process of separating pigments using chromatography
- Calculate the Rf value for pigments using pigment chromatography.
2.9.NOS Experimental design- controlling relevant variables in photosynthesis experiments is essential.
- Define independent variable, controlled variable and responding variable.