Summary Notes for Photosynthesis
Learning Question: What is needed for photosynthesis?
Key Concepts:
● Photosynthesis
● Reactants: Water (H2O), Carbon dioxide (CO2)
● Products: Glucose (C6H12O6), Oxygen (O2)
● Chlorophyll
● Light Energy
Key Terms:
1. Diffusion: Movement of molecules from a higher concentration to a lower concentration until
equilibrium is reached.
2. Biotic Factor: A living factor in the environment (e.g., competition, predation, disease).
3. Abiotic Factor: A non-living factor in the environment (e.g., temperature, light intensity, wind speed).
Content Summary:
1. Photosynthesis Overview:
○ Definition: A process where plants and algae produce glucose and oxygen using light energy.
○ Equation:
■ Word Equation: Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
■ Chemical Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
2. Requirements for Photosynthesis:
○ Light Energy: Captured by chlorophyll in chloroplasts.
○ Chlorophyll: A green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy.
○ Water: Absorbed by roots from the soil.
○ Carbon Dioxide: Taken in from the air through stomata.
3. Process of Photosynthesis:
○ Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll.
○ This energy converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
○ Glucose is used for energy and growth; excess is stored as starch.
○ Oxygen is released as a by-product.
4. Adaptations for Photosynthesis:
○ Leaves: Large surface area, thin, contain chlorophyll, have stomata for gas exchange.
○ Algae: Large surface area, live in water, absorb dissolved CO2 and release O2.
5. Types of Autotrophs:
○ Photoautotrophs: Use sunlight for photosynthesis (e.g., plants).
○ Chemoautotrophs: Use chemical energy to produce food (e.g., certain bacteria).
6. Energy Changes:
○ Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction; it absorbs energy from the environment.
Common Misconceptions:
● Misconception: Photosynthesis occurs only in leaves.
○ Correction: Photosynthesis can occur in any green part of the plant, including stems and
unripe fruit.
● Misconception: Plants only perform photosynthesis during the day.
○ Correction: Photosynthesis requires light, so it primarily occurs during the day, but respiration
occurs continuously.
Exam Tips:
● Remember the word and chemical equations for photosynthesis.
● Understand the role of chlorophyll and why it’s essential for photosynthesis.
● Be able to explain how different factors like light intensity, CO2 concentration, and temperature affect
the rate of photosynthesis.
Example Questions with Model Answers:
1. Question (2 marks): What are the two main products of photosynthesis?
○ Model Answer:
■ Glucose (1 mark)
■ Oxygen (1 mark)
2. Question (3 marks): Explain why chlorophyll is important for photosynthesis.
○ Model Answer:
■ Chlorophyll absorbs light energy (1 mark)
■ This energy is used to convert CO2 and H2O into glucose and O2 (1 mark)
■ It gives plants their green color (1 mark)
3. Question (4 marks): Describe the process of photosynthesis.
○ Model Answer:
■ Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts (1 mark)
■ Carbon dioxide is taken in from the air through the stomata (1 mark)
■ Water is absorbed by the roots from the soil (1 mark)
■ These are converted into glucose and oxygen (1 mark)
4. Question (5 marks): How do leaves adapt to perform photosynthesis efficiently?
○ Model Answer:
■ Large surface area to absorb more light (1 mark)
■ Thin structure for quick gas exchange (1 mark)
■ Contains chlorophyll to capture light energy (1 mark)
■ Stomata for CO2 intake and O2 release (1 mark)
■ Veins to transport water and nutrients (1 mark)
