Photosynthesis Notes - Biology

Mrs. R. D.
Wakankar Group Tuition
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.
• Why do plants appear green?

Chlorophyll absorbs light at both ends of the visible spectrum – (blue and red are
absorbed ) while it reflects away the green light, which makes the plants appear green.
Photosynthesis is optimum in blue and red lights.

Chlorophyll is sensitive to light, too much light destroys it, but formation of chlorophyll
itself depends on exposure of the plant to light.
• The grass growing in the shade under a stone turns yellowish.
In the absence of light, no new chlorophyll is formed and the older one gets
disintegrated.
• 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).
Important feature of guard cells:

Stomata are small pores present in the epidermis of leaves. Each stoma is made up of a
pair of kidney shaped guard cells.
Guard cells which account for opening and closing of stomata, is due to movement of
water in and out of it. These guard cells have thick inner wall facing the opening and thin
outer wall on the opposite side. The guard cells contain nucleus, cytoplasm along with
chloroplast.
Opening and closing of stomata: There are two theories,

1) Potassium ion concentration theory
2) Sugar concentration theory.
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.
Sugar concentration theory

During the day time, the guard cells begin photosynthesis and the glucose produced during the
process increases the osmotic pressure which draws in water from the adjoining cells due to
endosmosis. Hence the guard cells become turgid and bulge outwards due to their thin outer
wall, thus widening the stomatal opening. Opening of stomata causes diffusion of gases in and
out, thus fulfilling the need for photosynthesis and transpiration.
• Chloroplasts are called as energy converters.

During the process of photosynthesis the light energy received from sunlight or any other source
is converted into chemical energy by the chloroplasts, which is later used by the plants to
synthesis organic compounds. Thus chloroplasts are called as energy converters.
Light dependent phase:
It takes place in the thylakoids containing chlorophyll of the chloroplasts. The chlorophyll on
exposure to light energy becomes activated by absorbing photons. This energy is utilised in
splitting the water molecule into H+ and releasing oxygen.
4 H2 O 4 H+ + 4 ( OH )
4 ( OH ) 2 H 2 O + O 2 + 4 e-
2 H2 O energy of photons 4 H + + O2 + 4 e -
This is called as photolysis of water.
The H+ are picked up by a compound NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) to

form NADPH. The molecular oxygen is given out as a by- product. The electrons are used in
converting ADP (Adenosine diphosphate) into energy rich ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).
The process in which ADP combines with ip (inorganic phosphate) to form ATP is known as
phosphorylation. Since the energy used in the process comes from light the process is called as
Photophosphorylation.
Light independent phase or (biosynthetic phase)

It takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast and proceeds in the absence of light. It involves
fixation and reduction of CO2 resulting in the formation of carbohydrates. It utilises ATP and
NADPH obtained as a result of light reactions. Most green plants convert glucose into starch as
soon as it is formed during photosynthesis.
Adaptations in leaf for photosynthesis: (refer text)
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
Experiments on photosynthesis: (refer text)

1) To show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.
2) To show that sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis.
3) To show that CO2 is necessary for photosynthesis.
4) To show that oxygen is produced during photosynthesis.
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.
2 ATP is necessary for the dark reaction of photosynthesis.

A ATP molecule provides energy to carry out dark reactions.
3 Chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis. / Chlorophyll is called a wonder pigment.

A Chlorophyll traps light energy and converts it into chemical energy which carries out all the
assimilation of CO2 in photosynthesis. It synthesises organic compounds from inorganic
substances.
4 Leaves of most plants are thin and broad.

A The thinness of leaves reduces the distance between cells facilitating rapid transport. The broad
surface area is for maximum light absorption.
5 Respiration is said to be reverse of photosynthesis.
A Respiration is a catabolic process while photosynthesis is an anabolic process. During respiration
O2 is utilised and CO2 is given out while during photosynthesis CO2 is taken and O2 is given out.
6 Light reaction is called photochemical phase.

A In light reaction , light initiates a series of chemical reactions which occur in the thylakoid of the
chloroplast.
7 Dark reaction is called as biosynthetic phase.

A Dark reaction occurs simultaneously with the light reaction without the utilisation of light. In this
phase glucose is prepared by a number of steps using certain enzymes hence called as
biosynthetic phase.
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.
9 Transpiration is the price which the plant pays for photosynthesis.

A At sunrise the chlorophyll present in the guard cells trap the solar energy and start with the
process of photosynthesis . This makes the guard cells turgid and the stomata open to allow the
CO2 to diffuse in and the accumulated water vapour in the intercellular spaces to diffuse out.
Transpiration occurs along with photosynthesis.
Give the logical sequence:

Oxygen, stoma, respiratory cavity, mesophyll cells, oxidation of glucose, 2 ATP.
Q1 The plant is de-starched by keeping it in dark for 48 hr

and the set-up is as shown.
The conical flask A is made completely airtight by
smearing the split cork with Vaseline. The
apparatus is kept in sunlight. After 7 hr the
leaves from both flasks are detached and tested
for starch.
1)What happens to the leaves present in A and B?

2)Why is KOH placed in flask A?
3)Write the aim of the experiment.
Q2 De-starch the given potted plant. Cover the
portion of a leaf with a strip of black paper and
keep it in sunlight for 6 hr. Test the presence of
starch in the leaf.
1)What is the aim of the experiment?

2)How will you proceed for testing starch?
3)What will happen if the plant is not de-starched?
Q3 The diagram given below is an experiment conducted to study a factor necessary for
photosynthesis. Observe the diagram and answer.

2)Name the test performed on the leaf and the solution used for the test
3)What type of leaf was used for the experiment? Give an example.
4)What is the expected result of the above test on the parts labelled A and B?
5)Give a balanced equation to represent the process of photosynthesis.
Q4 The figure below represents an experiment set

up to study a physiological process in plants.
1)Name the physiological process being studied.

2)Explain the process.
4)Give a balanced equation to represent the process.
Q5 Fill in the blanks showing the steps of light reaction:

1)Activation of -----------------.
2)Water is split into--------- and ------ in the presence of ------------- in the ---------------------.
3)Hydrogen is accepted by ---------- to form ---------------.
4)------------ is released in the atmosphere.
5)Inorganic phosphate combines with ------ to form -------- in the presence of ------ by ----------------
.
Q6 Two healthy green plants were placed in the dark for 48 hr. They were then set up as shown. The
whole set up was then placed in sunlight for 4 hr. A leaf was taken from each plant and the
chlorophyll was removed from the leaves.
1)How is the chlorophyll removed?

2)What is the next and final step?
3)What would be the result of the final step?
4)Why is it necessary to grease the glass sheet?
5) What is the aim of this experiment?
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.
1)Why was the plant initially kept in the dark?

2)What is the function of sodium hydroxide solution in the flask?
3)Select the correct leaf from the available choices A – E.
a) After the starch test, leaf X would look like -------------- .
b) After starch test, leaf Y would look like ---------------- .
4)According to the experimental facts what are the factors required?
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.
1)Identify the organelle.

2)Name the physiological process occurring in this organelle.
3)Mention one way in which this process is beneficial to man.
4)Name the phases of the process occurring in parts labelled 1 and 2.
5)Give the expanded form of NADP.
6)Represent the physiological process with the help of an equation.
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:
1)Name the factor being studied.

2)Will you select white light or green light? Justify.
2)Why was the experimental leaf then kept in 1) boiling water 2) methylated spirit?
3)Name the solution used to test the presence of starch in the leaf.
4)What will we observe in the experimental leaf at the end of the starch test?

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Mrs. R. D.

Wakankar Group Tuition

• Why do plants appear green?

Photosynthesis is optimum in blue and red lights.

Important feature of guard cells:

Opening and closing of stomata: There are two theories,

Sugar concentration theory

• Chloroplasts are called as energy converters.

This is called as photolysis of water.

The H+ are picked up by a compound NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) to

Light independent phase or (biosynthetic phase)

Adaptations in leaf for photosynthesis: (refer text)

Experiments on photosynthesis: (refer text)

2 ATP is necessary for the dark reaction of photosynthesis.

3 Chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis. / Chlorophyll is called a wonder pigment.

4 Leaves of most plants are thin and broad.

6 Light reaction is called photochemical phase.

7 Dark reaction is called as biosynthetic phase.

9 Transpiration is the price which the plant pays for photosynthesis.

Give the logical sequence:

Q1 The plant is de-starched by keeping it in dark for 48 hr

1)What happens to the leaves present in A and B?

1)What is the aim of the experiment?

1)What is the aim of the experiment?

Q4 The figure below represents an experiment set

1)Name the physiological process being studied.

Q5 Fill in the blanks showing the steps of light reaction:

1)How is the chlorophyll removed?

1)Why was the plant initially kept in the dark?

1)Identify the organelle.

1)Name the factor being studied.

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