In this article, we will see 30 most frequently asked questions about photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is known to be an essential for survival of most of the living beings on this planet. It is so because it generates oxygen, essential for respiration of most of the organisms living in this world. Not only that, it also forms the base of the food chain, supporting life on Earth. It helps in reducing carbon dioxide level in atmosphere as the same is used by plants for respiration, hence maintaining atmospheric and ecological balance to sustain life. Here we will see 30 most frequently asked questions about this important life sustaining natural process.

 

30 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Photosynthesis

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1. What is Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose or other organic molecules.

 

2. What are the byproducts of Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Oxygen is the primary byproduct of photosynthesis, released into the atmosphere as a waste product.

 

3. What are the products of Photosynthesis ?

Ans. The primary products of photosynthesis are glucose and other carbohydrates, which serve as energy sources for the plant and other organisms that consume plants.

 

4. What are the reactants for Photosynthesis ?

Ans. The reactants for photosynthesis include carbon dioxide, water, and light energy (usually from the sun).

 

5. Where does photosynthesis occur ?

Ans. Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, specifically in the chlorophyll-containing structures called thylakoids.

 

6. How does photosynthesis work ?

Ans. When sunlight hits a leaf, chlorophyll molecules trap these photons, initiating a mesmerizing relay of energy. This excites electrons in chlorophyll, setting off a chain reaction within the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

The light-dependent reactions harness this solar energy, splitting water molecules and liberating oxygen, while generating ATP and NADPH, the cellular currency and carriers of energy, respectively. These molecules are the power packs for the dark, or light-independent, reactions.

In the Calvin cycle, occurring in the chloroplast's stroma, carbon dioxide is captured and converted into organic molecules, like glucose, using the energy carriers produced in the light-dependent reactions. This cycle is a meticulous sequence of chemical transformations orchestrated by enzymes and powered by the energy captured from sunlight.

 

7. Why is photosynthesis important ?

Ans. Photosynthesis is crucial as it is the primary process that sustains life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating the carbon cycle, and providing energy-rich organic compounds for living organisms.

 

8. What are raw materials for Photosynthesis ?

Ans. The raw materials for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.

 

9. What is the source of energy for Photosynthesis ?

Ans. The ultimate source of energy for photosynthesis is sunlight, which is captured and transformed into chemical energy.

 

10. Where are the most photosynthetic cells in plants found ?

Ans. The most photosynthetic cells in plants are found in the leaves, especially in the mesophyll cells where chloroplasts are abundant.

 

11. What is the difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis ?

Ans. Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water, whereas photosynthesis is the process by which organisms use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

 

12. Which taxonomic domain includes multicellular photosynthetic organisms ?

Ans. Multicellular photosynthetic organisms belong to the domain Eukarya, specifically in the plant kingdom.

 

13. What is the basic role of co2 in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Carbon dioxide plays a fundamental role in photosynthesis as it serves as the primary source of carbon for the synthesis of organic compounds.

 

14. What organisms use Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Various organisms use photosynthesis, primarily plants, algae, and some bacteria.

 

15. What plant pigments are involved in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Chlorophyll is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis, responsible for capturing light energy.

 

16. How does oxygen production relate to the rate of photosynthesis ?

Ans. Oxygen production is directly related to the rate of photosynthesis. As photosynthesis increases, more oxygen is produced as a byproduct.

 

17. How is photosynthesis similar in c4 plants and cam plants ?

Ans. C4 and CAM plants both use additional pathways to minimize water loss and enhance photosynthesis in different environmental conditions, although their initial carbon-fixing steps differ.

 

18. Where does the light reaction of photosynthesis take place ?

Ans. The light reaction of photosynthesis occurs in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.

 

19. How does light intensity affect the rate of Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Light intensity directly affects the rate of photosynthesis; an increase in light intensity generally leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting.

 

20. Which kingdoms have Photosynthetic organisms ?

Ans. Photosynthetic organisms are found in the kingdoms Plantae, Protista (some algae), and Monera (some bacteria).

 

21. What gas is released in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Oxygen gas is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

 

22. What does chlorophyll do in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Chlorophyll, the primary pigment in photosynthesis, captures light energy and initiates the process of converting it into chemical energy.

 

23. What molecule absorbs sunlight for Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Chlorophyll is the molecule that primarily absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

 

24. What happens to the sugars that are made during Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Sugars produced during photosynthesis are utilized as an immediate energy source for the plant or stored as starch for later use.

 

25. What is the role of ATP synthase in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. ATP synthase, the molecular powerplant within the chloroplasts has a important role to play in photosynthesis. It's the tireless turbine that orchestrates the assembly line for cellular energy production.

In thylakoid membrane, ATP synthase acts like a molecular motor, diligently crafting ATP—the cellular fuel. As protons flow through it, this minuscule machine deftly synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, just like a master craftsperson weaving energy from mere elements.

 

26. What product of photosynthesis is used in cellular respiration ?

Ans. The primary product of photosynthesis, glucose, is used in cellular respiration to produce energy.

 

27. What is the role of water in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. Water plays a crucial role in photosynthesis as it provides the electrons and protons necessary for the light-dependent reactions.

 

28. Where does the water come from in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. The water used in photosynthesis is absorbed through the roots of plants from the soil and transported to the leaves.

 

29. What is oxidized in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. In photosynthesis, water is oxidized to produce oxygen, releasing electrons and protons that are essential for the formation of ATP and NADPH.

 

30. What is the role of NADPH in Photosynthesis ?

Ans. NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) acts as a reducing agent, carrying high-energy electrons produced during the light-dependent reactions to the Calvin cycle for the synthesis of organic molecules.