Photosynthesis Worksheet
Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (SL)
1. Which of the following is the main photosynthetic pigment in plants?
a. Chlorophyll b
b. Chlorophyll a
c. Xanthophyll
d. Carotene
2. Where does the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis take place?
a. Mitochondria
b. Cytoplasm
c. Thylakoid membrane
d. Stroma
3. What is the primary purpose of the Calvin cycle? (HL)
a. To generate ATP
b. To split water molecules
c. To produce glucose
d. To absorb light energy
4. What molecule is produced when water is split during the light-dependent
reactions? (HL)
a. NADPH
b. Oxygen
c. Glucose
d. Carbon dioxide
Section B: Short-Answer Questions (SL & HL)
1. Photosynthesis Equation:
Write the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2
2. Structure and Function:
Describe the role of the thylakoid and stroma in photosynthesis.
Thylakoid: site of light-dependent reactions
- Receives light energy to produce ATP and NADPH
Stroma: site of light-independent reactions
- Produces glucose using ATP and NADPH through the Calvin cycle
3. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis:
List three factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis and explain how they
influence the process.
1. Light intensity:
a. Light intensity is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis up until a point
where the rate of photosynthesis is constant
2. Temperature:
a. Temperature is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis up until the
optimal temperature, where if temperature continues to increase, the rate of
photosynthesis decreases
3. Nutrient availability:
a. Nutrient availability (e.g. phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen) is inversely
proportional to the rate of photosynthesis
4. Chloroplast Diagram:
Draw and label the structure of a chloroplast, including the thylakoid, grana, stroma,
and inner and outer membranes.
Section C: Data-Based Questions
1. Light Intensity and Photosynthesis: (HL)
A graph shows the rate of photosynthesis at different light intensities.
o Describe the relationship between light intensity and the rate of
photosynthesis.
Light intensity is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis, up until a point where
the rate of photosynthesis becomes constant
o Explain why the rate levels off at high light intensities.
The rate levels will plateau at high light intensities because of various limiting factors
such as the amount of chlorophyll molecules available to absorb the light, or
potentionally damaged chlorophyll.
2. Action Spectrum vs. Absorption Spectrum: (SL/HL)
o Explain the difference between an action spectrum and an absorption
spectrum of photosynthesis.
Regarding photosynthesis, the action spectrum is greater than the absorption
spectrum where the action peaks at the end whilst the absorption peaks at the start.
o Why does chlorophyll absorb light most effectively in the blue and red
regions of the spectrum?
The blue and red regions of the spectrum are the most ideal to satisfy the energy
requirements of chlorophyll whilst most green light does not get absorb, hence why
plants often appear green from chlorophyll pigment.
3. Limiting Factors: (SL/HL)
Analyze a data set that shows the rate of photosynthesis at varying CO₂
concentrations and temperatures.
o Identify the limiting factor at different points on the graph.
CO2 concentrations:
- As rate levels increase, CO2 is the limiting factor because CO2 levels are low
- As rate levels plateau, stomata begin to close limiting CO2 uptake
Temperature:
- At lower temperatures, temperature is the limiting factor due to a lack of kinetic
energy provided in the chloroplast
- At high temperatures, enzymes can denature, and stomata close to preserve
water, limiting CO2 uptake
o Suggest how the experiment could be modified to eliminate the limiting
factor.
CO2 concentrations:
- As photosynthesis rate levels plateau, provide high light intensities to promote
stomatal opening
Temperature:
- As photosynthesis rate levels decrease pass optimal, provide water (also helps
cool), high light intensities and high CO2 to promote stomatal opening
Section D: Extended Response Questions (HL)
1. Calvin Cycle:
Describe the stages of the Calvin cycle and explain how ATP and NADPH are used in
this process.
i. Carbon fixation
a. RuBP + CO2 --> 6C intermediate + O2; catalysed by rubisco enzyme
b. 6C Intermediate --> 2GP
ii. Reduction
a. ATP --> ADP
b. NADPH --> NADP+
c. 2GP --> 2TP; done with energy provided from ATP and NADPH
d. TP --> glucose; every 1 out of 6 TP
iii. RuBP Regeneration
a. ATP --> ADP
b. TP --> RuBP; done with energy from ATP
2. Cyclic vs. Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation:
Compare and contrast cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation in terms of
location, reactants, and products.
Cyclic Photophosphorylation:
- Location = only in photosystem I
- Reactants = none; light energy absorbed
- Products = ATP
Non-cyclic Photophosphorylation:
- Location = both photosystem I and II
- Reactants = water
- Products = ATP and NADPH + H
3. Photorespiration and Efficiency:
Explain how photorespiration reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis and describe
strategies plants use to minimize it (e.g., C4 and CAM pathways).
Photorespiration uses up ATP and NADPH and replaces CO2 in the Calvin cycle with O2,
therefore not contributing to the production of glucose. Plants have evolved methods such
as C4 and CAM pathways to minimize photorespiration by ensuring rubisco has access to
high concentration of CO2 instead of O2.
Section E: Practical Application (SL & HL)
1. Leaf Disk Assay:
Design an experiment to measure the effect of light intensity on the rate of
photosynthesis using a leaf disk assay. Include:
o A hypothesis
o A list of materials
o A detailed procedure
2. Chromatography of Plant Pigments:
Outline the steps involved in separating plant pigments using paper
chromatography. Explain how the Rf values can be calculated and interpreted.
