Photosynthesis
- Understand the statement: “Plants and
other autotrophs
are the primary producers of the biosphere”. Be able to compare
and
contrast autotrophs and heterotrophs.
- Where does photosynthesis occur in the
cells
of autotrophs
(plants, bacteria, algae)?
- Present the overall summarizing reaction
of
photosynthesis.
What ultimately is being oxidized? What ultimately is
being reduced?
- Be familiar with the anatomy of
photosynthesis (i.e.
where do the light reactions and the Calvin Cycle of
photosynthesis
occur?). How do the light reactions and the Calvin Cycle
cooperate
to convert light energy into food?
- Be familiar with the general properties
of
the sun's
electromagnetic spectrum of radiation. Be familiar with the action
spectrum for photosynthesis. What is a photosystem and
where is it located in the chloroplast? What is the function of
accessory photosynthetic pigments like the carotenoids?
- Be familiar with the following concepts
concerning
the light reactions of photosynthesis:
- How do photosystems harness the energy
from
sunlight?
- How is water involved in non-cyclic
electron flow?
- Describe the chemiosmotic
model
of ATP
synthesis during cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation.
Describe the structure of the thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts as it
relates to the chemiosmotic model.
- How is NADPH produced during
non-cyclic electron
flow and what is the general function of NADPH in photosynthesis?
- How is cyclic electron flow
different from
non-cyclic electron flow?
- Be able to summarize the Calvin cycle
with
respect
to the following concepts:
- What do we mean by carbon fixation?
- How are CO2 , ATP and
NADPH used
in this pathway?
- How are the sugars produced
during
this pathway
used in a plant cell?
- What is the importance of the enzyme Rubisco
to photosynthesis?
- What is the function of leaf stomata?
- What is photorespiration and why
does it occur in plants under hot and arid conditions?
Describe
the alternate
biochemical pathways that some plants have evolved as adaptations to
living
in hot/arid conditions (C4 pathway and Crassulacean
Acid Metabolism (CAM)).