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8.3 Photosynthesis

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

  • Light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes and the space inside them.

  • Light-independent reactions take place in the stroma.

  • Reduced NADP and ATP are produced in the light-dependent reactions.

  • Absorption of light by photosystems generates excited electrons.

  • Photolysis of water generates electrons for use in the light-dependent reactions.

  • Transfer of excited electrons occurs between carriers in thylakoid membranes.

  • Excited electrons from Photosystem II are used to contribute to generate a proton gradient.

  • ATP synthase in thylakoids generates ATP using the proton gradient.

  • Excited electrons from Photosystem I are used to reduce NADP

  • In the light-independent reactions a carboxylase catalyses the carboxylation of ribulose bisphosphate.

  • Glycerate 3-phosphate is reduced to triose phosphate using reduced NADP and ATP.

  • Triose phosphate is used to regenerate RuBP and produce carbohydrates.

  • Ribulose bisphosphate is reformed using ATP.

  • The structure of the chloroplast is adapted to its function in photosynthesis.

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Applications and skills:

  • Application: Calvin’s experiment to elucidate the carboxylation of RuBP.

  • Skill: Annotation of a diagram to indicate the adaptations of a chloroplast to its function.

Videos

Photosynthesis Pt. 2 Light dependent reactions non cyclic

Photosynthesis Part 3 Cyclic Photophosphorylation

Photosynthesis Part 4 The Calvin Cycle

Photosynthesis Part 5 Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis HL

Photosynthesis Part 7 Structure of Chloroplast

Calvin's Experiments

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Topic 8.3 Photosynthesis SSaQ (Syllabus Statement as Questions)

  • Explain how Calvin was able to elucidate pathways of carbon fixation using sources of C14 and auto radiography.

  • Compare where light-dependent and light-independent reactions take place, and what is produced in light-dependent reactions.

  • Explain how excited electrons are generated.

  • Explain the role of photolysis in light-dependent reactions.

  • How are excited electrons transferred between carriers in thylakoids membranes?

  • Compare the use of excited electrons from Photosystem I and Photosystem II.

  • Explain how ATP synthase in thylakoids produces ATP.

  • What is carboxylase used for in light-independent reactions?

  • Explain the reduction of glycerate 3-phosphate to triose phosphate using reduced NADP and ATP.

  • Explain how triose phosphate is used to regenerate RuBP and produce carbohydrates.

  • Outline how ribulose biphosphate is reformed.

  • Explain how the structure of the chloroplast is adapted to its function in photosynthesis.

  • Explain how Calvin’s experiment elucidated the carboxylate on of RuBP.

  • Explain how you would annotate a diagram of a chloroplast to indicate the structural adaptations to its function.

  • What is the aim of the Global Artificial Photosynthesis project?

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