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Photosynthesis Notes - Biology
Photosynthesis Notes - Biology
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process by which living plant cells, containing chlorophyll, produce
food substance (glucose and starch), from carbon dioxide and water, by using light
energy.
Importance of photosynthesis:
It is the ultimate source of food and energy for all living beings.
It is the only biological process which releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
Chloroplast:
Chloroplasts are minute bodies bounded by a double membrane and their interiors
contain closely packed flattened sacs (thylakoids) arranged in piles (grana) lying in the
colourless ground substance called stroma. There may be around 40 – 50 chloroplasts in
a cell. The pigment chlorophyll is contained in the walls of thylakoids. Chlorophyll is a
highly complex substance composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and
magnesium. Chloroplasts are contained in the mesophyll cells located between the
upper epidermis and the lower epidermis (i.e. in the palisade cells and in spongy cells) of
leaves. Chloroplast are also found in the guard cells of stomata and in the outer layers of
young green stems.
• In the absence of light plants develop a yellowish pigment etiolin instead of chlorophyll.
The leaves acquire a yellow colour and the stems become pale, thin and long (etiolated).
K+ concentration theory
During the day time, the chloroplast in the guard cells photosynthesize which leads to
the production of ATP. This energy rich molecule is used to actively pump the potassium
ions of the adjacent cells into the guard cells. Increased K+ concentration in the guard
cells makes them hypertonic, so more water from the adjacent cells is drawn in and the
cells become more turgid and they move outward to open out the stomatal pore.
Reverse happens at night. The K+ ions leak out thus reducing the turgor pressure of the
guard cells and the stomatal pore closes.
Factors affecting photosynthesis: External factors and internal factors (refer text)
Importance of photosynthesis:
Provides food: By the process of photosynthesis plants manufacture organic food which is
utilised as food not only by plants but also by other living beings.
Provides oxygen: Photosynthesis is the only process that helps plants to take in CO2 and release
oxygen
Give reasons:
1 All life on earth would come to an end if there were no green plants.
A Green plants provide food and oxygen which is necessary for the existence of life.
8 Most leaves have a shiny green upper surface than the lower one.
A In most leaves the upper surface is directed towards sunlight, so they have more chlorophyll
pigment in the upper surface to trap more light energy for photosynthesis. Thus making them
appear shiny and green.
Q3 The diagram given below is an experiment conducted to study a factor necessary for
photosynthesis. Observe the diagram and answer.
Q7 A well-watered healthy plant with variegated leaves was kept in darkness for 24 hr. It was then
set up as shown, and exposed to light for about 12 hr. At the end of the time, leaves X and Y were
tested for starch.
Q8 The following diagram is set up to demonstrate an experiment. Pond weeds are placed in five
water filled tubes. The tubes were left for 24 hr as shown. Choose the correct choice from
1 – 5 given below.
i)In which tube would you expect the greatest increase in dry weight of the pond weed?
ii)In which tube would you expect to find the plant with least amount of starch?
iii)The tube in which most oxygen would be found.
iv)Tube in which least CO2 would be found.
v)The tube in which the plant would survive for the shortest length of time.
Q9 The following diagram represents the internal structure of an organelle found in plant cell.
Q10 Redraw and identify the diagram and label the parts.
Q11 The given diagram represents an experiment conducted to prove the importance of a factor in
photosynthesis. Study the same and answer the following: