Photosynthesis BIOLOGY. Visual Learning Company. Reviewers: Stephen Trombulak Ph.D. Professor of Biology Middlebury College

Transcription

1 Instructor s Manual Editors: Brian A. Jerome Ph.D. Stephanie Zak Jerome Assistant Editors: Louise Marrier Lyndsey Canfield Heidi Berry Graphics: Fred Thodal Dean Ladago Reviewers: Stephen Trombulak Ph.D. Professor of Biology Middlebury College BIOLOGY Visual Learning Company

2 A Message from our Company... Visual Learning is an independently-owned company specializing in the creation of science programs. As former classroom science teachers, we have designed our programs to meet the needs and interests of both students and instructors. Our mission is to help educators and students meet educational goals while experiencing the thrill of science! Viewing Clearances The video and accompanying instructor s manual are for educational use only. In showing these programs, no admission charges are to be incurred. The programs are to be utilized in face-to-face classroom instructional settings, library settings, or similar instructional settings. Duplication Rights are available, but must be negotiated with the Visual Learning Company. Digital Rights are available, but must be negotiated with the Visual Learning Company. Television, cable, or satellite rights are also available, but must be negotiated with the Visual Learning Company. Closed circuit rights are available, and are defined as the use of the program beyond a single classroom but within a single campus. Institutions wishing to utilize the program in multiple campuses must purchase the multiple campus version of the program, available at a slightly higher fee. Discounts may be granted to institutions interested in purchasing programs in large quantities. These discounts may be negotiated with the Visual Learning Company. 2

3 Use of Materials... Use and Copyright: The purchase of this video program entitles the user the right to reproduce or duplicate, in whole or in part, this instructor s manual and the black line master handouts for the purpose of teaching in conjunction with this video,. The right is restricted only for use with this video program. Any reproduction or duplication, in whole or in part, of this manual and student masters for any purpose other than for use with this video program is prohibited. The video and this instructor s manual are the exclusive property of the copyright holder. Copying, transmitting, or reproducing in any form, or by any means, without prior written permission from the copyright holder is prohibited (Title 17, U.S. Code Sections 501 and 506). Copyright 2010 ISBN

4 Table of Contents A Message from our Company... Viewing Clearances... Use and Copyright... Student Learning Objectives... Assessment... Introducing the Program... Program Viewing Suggestions... Video Script... Answer Key to Student Assessments... Answer Key to Student Activities... Preliminary Assessment... Post Assessement... Video Review... Vocabulary... Overview of... The Power of Pigments... Photosynthetic Structures

5 Student Learning Objectives Upon viewing the video and completing the enclosed activities, students will be able to do the following: Appreciate the importance of photosynthesis directly or indirectly to life on Earth. Generally describe photosynthesis as the process by which green plants use carbon dioxide, water, and light from the sun to produce oxygen, water vapor, and a simple sugar called glucose. Understand the role various pigments play in the absorption of different wavelengths of light in plants. List some examples of common pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. State that chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells. Explain that chloroplasts are the actual sites of photosynthetic activity in the plant cell. Identify and describe the general function of the following parts of a chloroplast: thylakoid, grana, and stroma. Explain the main processes that occur in light dependent reactions. Differentiate and describe the processes that occur in photosystem I and photosystem II. Describe the general processes that occur in light independent reactions, specifically those of the Calvin cycle. State why glucose is so important to not only plants but also to other living things. Explain the role glucose plays in the formation of cellulose and starches. Also understand that glucose is the energy source used to make ATP. Understand how C 4 and CAM plants minimize the effects of photorespiration. 5

6 Assessment Preliminary Assessment (p ): The Preliminary Assessment is an assessment tool designed to gain an understanding of students preexisting knowledge. It can also be used as a benchmark upon which to assess student progress based on the objectives stated on the previous pages. Post Assessment (p ): The Post Assessment can be utilized as an assessment tool following student completion of the program and student activities. The results of the Post Assessment can be compared against the results of the Preliminary Assessment to assess student progress. Video Review (p. 19): The Video Review can be used as an assessment tool or as a student activity. There are two sections. The first part contains questions displayed during the program. The second part consists of a ten-question video assessment to be answered at the end of the video. 6

7 Introducing the Program Before showing the video program to students tell them all to take a deep breath. Ask them what gases they inhaled. Among the various gases they inhaled the most dominant gases are carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Explain that oxygen is a gas released by plants as a by-product of photosynthesis. Discuss the importance of oxygen, and describe why it is essential to animals. Next, ask students what they had for breakfast this morning. Write some of the foods they ate on the board. Circle foods such as fruits, vegetables, jams, and juices that come directly from plants. Explain to students that all these plant products contain sugars based on glucose molecules. Most plants and animals depend on glucose for their energy needs. Then write the basic equation for photosynthesis on the board: 6CO H 2 O + light from the sun C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6H 2 O + 6O 2 Identify and discuss each of the compounds in the photosynthetic reaction. Tell students to pay close attention to the video to learn more about some of the complex reactions included in the amazing process of photosynthesis. Program Viewing Suggestions The student master Video Review (p. 19) is provided for distribution to students. You may choose to have your students complete this master while viewing the program or do so upon its conclusion. The program is approximately 20 minutes in length and includes a ten-question video assessment. Answers are not provided to the Video Assessment in the video, but are included in this manual on page 13. You may choose to grade student assessments as an assessment tool or to review the answers in class. The video is content-rich with numerous vocabulary words. For this reason you may want to periodically stop the video to review and discuss new terminology and concepts. 7

8 Video Script: 1. Every time you eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable, 2. use products derived from plants, 3. admire flowers in a garden, 4. or take a breath of fresh air, 5. you re benefiting from one of the most important processes on the planet photosynthesis. 6. What exactly is photosynthesis? 7. Where and how does it occur? 8. What are some of the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis? 9. And, why are these chemical reactions so important? 10. During the next few minutes we are going to answer these questions and others as we investigate the amazing process of photosynthesis. 11. Graphic Transition Overview of 12. The vast majority of life, either directly or indirectly, depends on the incredibly important process of photosynthesis. 13. Most organisms either eat plants or eat other organisms that consume plants. And, most animals, even those that live in water breathe oxygen given off by plants. 14. Needless to say, life, as we know it would not exist without photosynthesis. 15. But, what exactly is photosynthesis? consists of a series of complex chemical reactions carried out by plants that involve transforming the sun s light energy and other compounds into chemical energy the plant can use. 16. When green plants carry out photosynthesis, they use carbon dioxide, water, and light from the sun to produce a simple sugar called glucose. 17. You Decide! What vital gas is also given off in photosynthesis? 18. Oxygen is a gas given off in photosynthesis. Water vapor is also generated. 19. The following simplified chemical equation summarizes the overall process of photosynthesis: six molecules of carbon dioxide, 6CO 2 + twelve molecules of water, 12H 2 O + light from the sun produces all of the following: a molecule of glucose, C 6 H 12 O 6 + six molecules of water, 6H 2 O + six molecules of oxygen, 6O 2. This equation represents one of the most important processes on the planet. 20. Graphic Transition and Light 21. If you have ever been out in the intense sun too long and received a sunburn, you know how powerful the sun s light energy can be. 22. Sunlight is a form of energy referred to as radiation. It travels in waves. 23. The distance between the top or crest of one wave and the crest of the next wave is a wavelength of light. 24. Sunlight, also called white light, is a mixture of all visible wavelengths as well as many wavelengths we can t see. 25. When white light passes through a prism, it s bent by different amounts spreading out the light into a spectrum we see as different colors. 26. The colors appear in order of their wavelengths with the shortest wavelength, violet, at one end, and red, the longest wavelength, at the other end of the spectrum. 8

9 Video Script: 27. While light behaves as waves, it also acts as if it were made up of energy particles called photons. 28. The shorter the wavelength of light, the more energy a photon carries. 29. Certain substances, called pigments, are capable of absorbing photons and their energy. 30. Specific types of pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. The different wavelengths of light absorbed by a particular pigment make up its absorption spectrum. 31. Two general types of pigments chlorophylls and carotenoids are found in green plants. 32. The pigments chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b absorb violet-blue and red light. 33. Carotenoids absorb light primarily in the violet-blue range. 34. You Decide! Why do plants look green? 35. Chlorophylls and carotenoids do not absorb light in the green part of the spectrum. Instead, they reflect green light. Consequently most plants appear green. 36. Graphic Transition Chloroplasts 37. In green plants, photosynthesis occurs within plant cell structures called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are plant cell parts that contain photosynthetic membranes. 38. The green round structures seen in these plant cells are chloroplasts. 39. Inside a chloroplast are stacks of flattened disc-shaped structures. Each disc is called a thylakoid. 40. Stacks of thylakoids are called grana. The regions between grana make up a part of the chloroplast called the stroma. 41. Located in the thylakoids are chlorophyll and other light capturing pigments. 42. These pigments are organized into units called photosystems. The photosystems are the lightcollecting units of chloroplasts. 43. Chloroplasts are very important because they are the sites where the sun s light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy. 44. Graphic Transition Light Dependent Reactions 45. The process of photosynthesis takes place in two main stages. 46. The first series of reactions are generally referred to as light dependent reactions. In these reactions, light is captured, water is split, and energy is produced. 47. As you might have guessed, light-dependent reactions occur in the presence of sunlight. 48. The way the light photons are converted to energy for the plant is a complex process involving numerous steps. We ll just focus on the highlights of light dependent reactions. 49. Light dependent reactions occur in areas of the thylakoid referred to as Photosystems. There are two different types of photosystems called Photosystem I and Photosystem II. 50. Light dependent reactions require both of these types of photosystems in order to occur. 51. Let s start in Photosystem II. That s where light photons are absorbed. Photons initiate the splitting of water molecules. Here you see a molecule of H 2 O being split. 52. The splitting of a water molecule releases O 2 or oxygen. 53. Most of the oxygen that is released from the plant becomes part of the air that animals, including humans, breathe. 54. Hydrogen ions and energized electrons are also produced when water is split. 9

10 Video Script: 55. The energized electrons are transported by carrier molecules along what s called an electron transport chain from Photosystem II to Photosystem I. 56. Energized electrons provide the energy to actively transport hydrogen ions from the stroma to the thylakoid space. 57. You Observe! Where is there a greater concentration of hydrogen ions? 58. There is a higher concentration of hydrogen ions in the thylakoid space. This creates a concentration gradient. In other words, there are more hydrogen ions in the thykaloid space than in the stroma. 59. With the help of an enzyme called ATP synthase, hydrogen ions diffuse back into the stoma. 60. The energy released by the flow of hydrogen ions converts ADP to ATP adenosine triphosphate. ATP is a high-energy compound vital to the creation of glucose later in light independent reactions. 61. In Photosystem I the sun s light energy reenergizes electrons that are used to produce NADP. NADP is another high-energy compound used in light independent reactions. 62. Graphic Transition Light Independent Reactions 63. While the light dependent reactions are taking place in the photosynthetic membranes of chloroplasts, light independent reactions are occurring in the stroma. Light independent reactions are able to take place in the absence of light. 64. While all of this is going on, carbon dioxide taken in by the plant is used to make glucose. 65. The way carbon and carbon dioxide is incorporated into the organic compound glucose is generally referred to as carbon fixation. 66. Carbon fixation takes place via a series of complex reactions collectively referred to as the Calvin Cycle. 67. The starting and ending point in the Calvin Cycle is a 5-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate, or RuBP for short. 68. The cycle begins when carbon dioxide reacts with RuBP. 69. The reaction produces two molecules of a 3-carbon compound called 3-phosphoglycerate, or 3- PGA for short. 70. NADPH and ATP produced in the light dependent reaction provide the energy necessary to convert PGA to a more complex compound called glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate, or G3P for short. 71. While most of the G3P is used to make more RuBP to continue the Calvin cycle, some of these molecules are used to form the important simple sugar glucose. 72. You Decide! Why is glucose so important? 73. Glucose is the fuel used to power a wide range of plant processes. 74. Plants, as well as animals, convert glucose to ATP to carry out a wide variety of functions. 75. Whenever we eat plants, fruits, or vegetables, we are consuming compounds made up of glucose. 76. Plants need to make energy available to all their cells. Larger plants transport glucose molecules from leaves to other parts of the plant. 77. In some plants, glucose molecules are linked together in long chains called cellulose. 78. Cellulose is the most abundant substance produced by living things. It s what produces strength and rigidity in plants. 10

11 Video Script: 79. Most plants store starches for food. Like cellulose, starches are also made of chains of glucose molecules 80. Starches are common in plants such as corn, potatoes, and wheat. 81. Heterotrophic organisms, including humans, consume plants that provide them with starches. 82. Starches are broken down into glucose by these organisms. 83. Glucose is a fundamental energy source used to Make ATP that enables living things to grow and carry out body functions. 84. Graphic Transition Variations in 85. While the process of photosynthesis is a remarkable, and relatively efficient process, it does have some shortcomings. 86. During photosynthesis a process call photorespiration inhibits the Calvin Cycle by incorporating or fixing oxygen, O 2 to RuBP resulting in the loss of fixed carbon. 87. At temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius about 20% of photosynthetically fixed carbon is lost to photorespiration. But, in warm, tropical climates the loss of fixed carbon can be as great as 25 to 50%. 88. The loss of fixed carbon rises dramatically in warm temperatures because small leaf openings called stomates close in an effort to conserve water. 89. The closing of stomates cuts off the supply of CO 2, carbon dioxide entering the leaf, and also limits O 2, oxygen leaving the leaf, and this accelerates photorespiration. 90. The help minimize the effects of photorespiration a group of plants called C 4 plants have developed a solution. 91. Plants such as corn and sugar cane are examples of C 4 plants. 92. C 4 plants have a strategy that helps improve the efficiency of the Calvin Cycle by fixing CO 2, carbon dioxide, more rapidly. 93. An extra photosynthetic pathway, called the C 4 pathway, acts as a carbon dioxide pump that provides more fixed carbon to the Calvin Cycle. This allows C 4 plants to fix CO 2 more rapidly thus producing more glucose. However, the energetic cost of this process in C 4 plants is much higher, requiring about twice as much ATP as in most C 3 plants. But this is not a problem for most C 4 plants because they live in areas with high light intensity that enables them to generate extra ATP. 94. Some plants such as desert cacti, succulents, and other plant groups, referred to as CAM plants, possess a slightly different strategy. 95. Because these plants live in hot, dry climates, to prevent water loss they also close their stomates during the day. This inhibits the entry of carbon dioxide. To compensate they take in CO 2 during the night when stomates are open. 96. The CO 2 is temporarily stored, and then converted to glucose when photosynthesis resumes the next day. 97. It should also be noted that plants are not the only photosynthetic organisms. Many protests and bacteria carry out photosynthesis. 98. Much of the world s oxygen supply is generated by microscopic bacteria and other plant forms in which photosynthesis occurs. 11

12 Video Script: 99. Graphic Transition Video Review 100. During the past few minutes we have explored the fascinating process of photosynthesis We began by looking at the overall process and importance of photosynthesis Next, we discussed how pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids absorb different wavelengths of light Chloroplasts and the photosynthetic structures they contain were highlighted More specifically, the general workings of light dependent reactions were described, highlighting the activities in photosystem II and photosystem I The overall processes of light independent reactions were explored, focusing on the creation of glucose molecules Last, we focused on some of the variations of photosynthesis exhibited in C4 and CAM Plants This completes our exploration of the complex and truly remarkable process of photosynthesis Graphic Transition Video Assessment Fill in the correct word to complete the sentence. 1. Light consists of small energy particles called. 2. are substances in plants that absorb light energy 3. The light collecting units of chloroplasts are called. 4. Plants absorb light energy in the blue-violet and parts of the spectrum. 5. In photosystem II, the splitting of water molecules is initiated by energy. 6. As a result of the splitting of water in Photosystem II, gas is given off. 7. The result of light dependent reactions are the production of NADPH and. 8. fixation takes place via a series of reactions in the Calvin Cycle. 9. Plants convert to ATP to carry out a wide variety of functions. 10. plants fix CO 2 more rapidly and therefore produce potentially more glucose. 12

13 Answer Key to Student Assessments Preliminary Assessment (p ) Post Assessment (p ) 1. c - photosynthesis 1. a - oxygen 2. b - oxygen 2. a - absorb light 3. b - photons 3. b - Calvin cycle 4. c - red 4. c - photosynthesis 5. a - absorb light 5. a - C 4 plants 6. d - chloroplasts 6. c - red 7. c - ATP and NADPH 7. c - bacteria and algae 8. a - photosystems 8. b - oxygen 9. a - glucose 9. d - cellulose 10. b - Calvin cycle 10. c - ATP and NADPH 11. a - C 6 H 12 O a - glucose 12. d - cellulose 12. b - photons 13. a - C 4 plants 13. d -chloroplasts 14. a - oxygen 14. a - C 6 H 12 O c - bacteria and algae 15. a - photosystems 16. consists of a series of complex 16. The Calvin cycle is the process by which carbon is chemical reactions carried out by plants that involve fixed to ultimately produce glucose. This can occur in the transforming the sun s light energy and other compounds absence of light. into chemical energy the plant can use. 17. consists of a series of complex 17. Carbon dioxide + water + sun s energy produce chemical reactions carried out by plants that involve oxygen + water vapor + glucose. transforming the sun s light energy and other compounds 18. Pigments are compounds found in chloroplasts that into chemical energy the plant can use. are capable of absorbing specific wavelengths of light. 18. As a result of the process of photosynthesis oxygen Specifically they absorb photons of light that are used in gas is given off. This is consumed by many other life photosynthetic activities. forms including humans. Simple sugars are also produced 19. The Calvin cycle is the process by which carbon is which organisms eat and use as energy. fixed to ultimately produce glucose. This can occur in the 19. Pigments are compounds found in chloroplasts that absence of light. are capable of absorbing specific wavelengths of light. 20. As a result of the process of photosynthesis oxygen Specifically they absorb photons of light that are used in gas is given off. This is consumed by many other life photosynthetic activities. forms including humans. Simple sugars are also produced 20. Carbon dioxide + water + sun s energy produce which other organisms eat and use as energy. oxygen + water vapor + glucose. Video Review (p. 19) 1. Oxygen is a gas given off in photosynthesis. Water vapor is also generated. 2. Plants look green because chlorophylls and carotenoids do not absorb light in the green part of the spectrum. Instead, they reflect green light. 3. There is a higher concentration of hydrogen ions in the thylakoid space. 4. Glucose is so important because it is the fuel used to power a wide range of plant processes. Plants, as well as animals, convert glucose to ATP to carry out a wide variety of functions. Video Assessment (p. 19) 1. photons 6. oxygen 2. pigments 7. ATP 3. photosystems 8. carbon 4. red 9. glucose 5. light 10. C 4 Vocabulary (p. 20) 1. f - photosynthesis 2. d - pigments 3. a - absorption spectrum 4. j - chloroplasts 5. h - photosystems 6. b - light dependent reactions 7. e - ATP 8. g - light independent reactions 9. c - Calvin Cycle 10. i - C 4 plants 13

14 Answer Key to Student Activities Overview of (p ) Compounds that enter plant: 1. sunlight 2. carbon dioxide 3. water Compounds that exit plant: 4. water vapor 5. oxygen Important compound that stays in plant: 6. glucose 3. Photosynthisis is the process by which plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, water, and light energy to produce oxygen gas, water vapor, and simple sugars. The simple sugar glucose stays in the plant which it uses to produce energy. Other organisms that consume plants also use glucose to generate energy. 4. The following is the general chemical reaction that occurs during photosynthesis: six molecules of carbon dioxide plus twelve molecules of water plus light from the sun produces a molecule of glucose plus six molecules of water plus six molecules of oxygen. 5. 6CO H 2 O + light from the sun C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6H 2 O + 6O 2 Questions: 1. produces both oxygen and glucose. Both these products are vital to the existence of most animals, and many other living things either directly or indirectly. 2. If you are in a school and it s the growing season, photosynthesis is likely occurring in the grass, shrubs, flowers, and trees surrounding the building. It also may be occurring in houseplants in the building. 3. As a result of photosynthesis, oxygen, water vapor, and glucose are produced. 4. Plants need or take in water, carbon dioxide, and light during the process of photosynthesis. The Power of Pigments (p ) 5a. Chlorophyll a most readily absorbs wavelengths of light from around 400 nm to 425 nm, and from about 650 nm to 700 nm. 5b. These colors of light most readily absorbed by chlorophyll a are in the blue and red ranges. 5c. Colors of wavelength not readily absorbed by chlorophyll a include violet, indigo, green, yellow, and orange. 9a. Chlorophyll b most readily absorbs wavelengths of light at around nm, and between nm. 9b. The colors of light chlorophyll b most readily absorbs include those in the blue-green range and those in the orange range. 9c. Chlorophyll b does not readily absorb violet, indigo, blue, and yellow colors of light. 13a. Carotenoids most readily absorb wavelengths of light in the range of about 425 nm to 500 nm. 13b. Carotenoids most readily absorb light in the blue-green part of the spectrum. 13c. Colors of light not readily absorbed by carotenoids include violet, yellow, orange, and red. Photosynthetic Structures (p. 25) 1a. Outer membrane - encases and protects chloroplast b. Stroma - gel-like material that is between grana c. Thylakoid - disc-shaped structures containing light-collecting photosystems d. Grana - stacks of thylakoids 2a. In part a, photosystem II collects light which splits water into hydrogen ions, oxygen, and energized electrons. Electrons then enter the electron transport chain. b. In part b, photosystem I, the sun s energy is used to reenergize electrons and produce NADPH. c. At the same time, in part c, ATP is produced as hydrogen ions diffuse back into the stroma through a membrane protein, aided by ATP synthase. The energy released by the flow of H + ions converts ADP to ATP. 3. Carbon fixation takes place in a series of complex reactions collectively referred to as the Calvin cycle. In the Calvin cycle, NADPH and ATP from the light dependent reactions are used to create carbohydrates (i.e. glucose) from carbon dioxide. 14

15 Preliminary Assessment Directions: Circle the best answer for each of the following: 1. The process by which plants produce simple sugars from carbon dioxide, water and light energy is: a. respiration b. carbonation c. photosynthesis d. diffusion 2. The vital gas given off as a result of photosynthesis is: a. carbon monoxide b. oxygen c. carbon dioxide d. nitrogen 3. Light consists of small energy particles called: a. neutrons b. photons c. nuclei d. protons 4. Most plants tend to absorb light mainly in the blue-violet part of the spectrum and what other part of the spectrum? a. green b. yellow c. red d. blue 5. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are examples of pigments whose primary function is to: a. absorb light b. give off CO 2 c. respire d. create food 6. The structures (organelles) in plant cells where light is captured and converted into chemical energy are: a. mitochondria b. nuclei c. ribosomes d. chloroplasts Name: 9. In photosynthesis, carbon is fixed to produce this very important compound used by both plants and animals for their energy needs: a. glucose b. carbon monoxide c. sodium chloride d. carboxylase 10. The specific process by which carbon is fixed into a simple sugar in light independent reactions is referred to as the: a. Kreb s cycle b. Calvin cycle c. water cycle d. carbon cycle 11. Light independent reactions are ultimately responsible for creating what essential energy compound needed by plants and animals? a. C 6 H 12 O 6 b. H 2 O c. CO 2 d. SiO In many plants, glucose is linked together in long chains forming a compound that provides strength and rigidity for the organism. What is this molecule? a. glucose polymer b. calcium carbonate c. ammonia d. cellulose 13. To help minimize the effect of photorespiration a group of plants have developed a strategy to improve the efficiency of the Calvin cycle. What is the general name given to this group of plants? a. C 4 plants b. bryophytes c. carbon-fixing plants d. gymnosperms 7. As a result of light dependent reactions what two important compounds are produced? a. glucose and fructose b. carbon dioxide and adenine c. ATP and NADPH d. DNA and RNA 8. The light collecting units in chloroplasts are referred to as: a. photosystems b. antennae c. mitochondria d. ATP molecules 14. As a result of splitting water molecules in photosystem II, what gas is given off? a. oxygen b. carbon dioxide c. argon d. nitrogen 15. Green plants are not the only organims that carry out photosynthesis. What other groups of organisms can be photosynthetic? a. fungi b. vertebrate animals c. bacteria and algae d. invertebrate animals 15 Visual Learning Company

16 Preliminary Assessment Name: Directions: Answer the following using complete sentences: 16. Generally describe the process of photosynthesis. 17. Describe the overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis using words or chemical symbols. 18. What is the role of pigments in photosynthesis and where are they located? 19. Briefly explain the role of the Calvin cycle. 20. Describe two ways the process of photosynthesis is vital to other forms of life on Earth. 16 Visual Learning Company

17 Post Assessment Directions: Circle the best answer for each of the following: Name: 1. As a result of splitting water molecules in photosystem II, what gas is given off? a. oxygen b. carbon dioxide c. argon d. nitrogen 2. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are examples of pigments whose primary function is to: a. absorb light b. give off CO 2 c. respire d. create food 3. The specific process by which carbon is fixed into a simple sugar in light independent reactions is referred to as the: a. Kreb s cycle b. Calvin cycle c. water cycle d. carbon cycle 4. The process by which plants produce simple sugars from carbon dioxide, water and light energy is: a. respiration b. carbonation c. photosynthesis d. diffusion 5. To help minimize the effect of photorespiration, a group of plants have developed a strategy to improve the efficiency of the Calvin cycle. What is the general name given to this group of plants? a. C 4 plants b. bryophytes c. carbon-fixing plants d. gymnosperms 6. Most plants tend to absorb light mainly in the blue-violet part of the spectrum and what other part of the spectrum? a. green b. yellow c. red d. blue 7. Green plants are not the only organims that carry out photosynthesis. What other groups of organisms can be photosynthetic? a. fungi b. vertebrate animals c. bacteria and algae d. invertebrate animals The vital gas given off as a result of photosynthesis is: a. carbon monoxide b. oxygen c. carbon dioxide d. nitrogen 9. In many plants, glucose is linked together in long chains forming a compound that provides strength and rigidity for the organism. What is this molecule? a. glucose polymer b. calcium carbonate c. ammonia d. cellulose 10. As a result of light dependent reactions what two important compounds are produced? a. glucose and fructose b. carbon dioxide and adenine c. ATP and NADPH d. DNA and RNA 11. In photosynthesis, carbon is fixed to produce this very important compound used by both plants and animals for their energy needs: a. glucose b. carbon monoxide c. sodium chloride d. carboxylase 12. Light consists of small energy particles called: a. neutrons b. photons c. nuclei d. protons 13. The structures (organelles) in plant cells where light is captured and converted into chemical energy are: a. mitochondria b. nuclei c. ribosomes d. chloroplasts 14. Light independent reactions are ultimately responsible for creating what essential energy compound needed by plants and animals? a. C 6 H 12 O 6 b. H 2 O c. CO 2 d. SiO The light collecting units in chloroplasts are referred to as: a. photosystems b. antennae c. mitochondria d. ATP molecules Visual Learning Company

18 Post Assessment Name: Directions: Answer the following using complete sentences 16. Briefly explain the role of the Calvin cycle. 17. Generally describe the process of photosynthesis. 18. Describe two ways the process of photosynthesis is vital to other forms of life on Earth. 19. What is the role of pigments in photosynthesis and where are they located? 20. Describe the overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis. 18 Visual Learning Company

19 Video Review Directions: Answer these questions as you watch the video: Name: 1. You Decide! What vital gas is also given off in photosynthesis? 2. You Decide! Why do plants look green? 3. You Observe! Where is there a greater concentration of hydrogen ions? 4. You Decide! Why is glucose so important? Video Assessment Directions: After you watch the video, fill in the blank to complete the sentence. 1. Light consists of small energy particles called. 2. are substances in plants that absorb light energy. 3. The light collecting units of chloroplasts are called. 4. Plants absorb light energy in the blue-violet and parts of the spectrum. 5. In photosystem II, the splitting of water molecules is initiated by energy. 6. As a result of the splitting of water in Photosystem II, gas is given off. 7. The result of light dependent reactions are the production of NADPH and. 8. fixation takes place via a series of reactions in the Calvin Cycle. 9. Plants convert to ATP to cary out a wide variety of functions. 10. plants fix CO 2 more rapidly and therefore produce potentially more glucose. 19 Visual Learning Company

20 Vocabulary Name: Directions: Unscramble the vocabulary words in the first column. Match the words to the definitions in the second column. 1) tnshyioespsoht 2) ngsmtpei 3) raiospnbot tpmuscre 4) spocarsothll 5) oststspyhmoe a. Different wavelengths of light absorbed by specific photosynthetic pigments. b. Part of photosynthetic process in which light is captured, water is split, and energy is produced. c. A series of complex reactions in which carbon is fixed to form glucose. d. Substances in plants capable of absorbing photons (light energy). 6) ihltg eedndntep ecinrtsoa e. A high-energy compound used in a wide variety of processes; abbreviation for adenosine triphosphate. 7) TAP 8) ihltg neednipedtn ecinrtsoa 9) vaclni lceyc 10) 4 C asnltp f. A series of complex chemical reactions carried out by plants that involve transforming the sun s light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen, water vapor, and glucose. g. Part of the photosynthetic process that fixes carbon to create glucose molecules; can occur in the absence of light. h. Light-collecting units of chloroplasts. i. Plants such as corn and sugar cane that implement a strategy that improves the efficiency of carbon fixation. j. Plant cell parts that contain specific photoynthetic pigments. 20 Visual Learning Company

21 Overview of Name: Background: The vast majority of life, either directly or indirectly, depends on the incredibly important process of photosynthesis. Most organisms eat plants or eat other organisms that consume plants. And, most animals, even those that live in water, breathe oxygen given off by plants. Needless to say, life as we know it would not exist without photosynthesis. But, what exactly is photosynthesis? consists of a series of complex chemical reactions carried out by plants that involve transforming the sun s light energy and other compounds into chemical energy the plant can use. When green plants carry out photosynthesis, they use carbon dioxide, water, and light from the sun to produce a simple sugar called glucose. What vital gas is also given off in photosynthesis? Oxygen is a gas given off as a result of photosynthesis. Water vapor is also generated. The following simplified chemical equation summarizes the overall process of photosynthesis: six molecules of carbon dioxide, 6CO 2, + twelve molecules of water, 12H 2 O, + light from the sun produce a molecule of glucose, C 6 H 12 O 6, + six molecules of water, 6H 2 O, + six molecules of oxygen, 6O 2. This equation represents one of the most important processes on the planet! Directions: 1. Read the Background section above. 2. Below is a simple diagram of a plant. In the process of photosynthesis certain compounds enter the plant while other compounds leave the plant. And, still other substances stay in the plant. Next, to each number state the substances or compounds that enter, exit, and stay in the plant. Compounds that Enter Plant 1. Important Compound that Stays in Plant 6. Compounds that Exit Plant Visual Learning Company

22 Overview of Name: 3. In a paragraph describe the process of photosynthesis. Describe the compounds that enter the reaction, and the products of the reaction. Also explain how the products produced by the plant are useful to it and other organisms. 4. Using your knowledge of the process of photosynthesis describe the general chemical reaction that occurs. Use words, not chemical symbols. 5. Next, write the reaction that occurs in photosynthesis using chemical symbols. Questions: 1. Why is photosynthesis important to life on Earth? 2. Where is photosynthesis occurring near you right now? 3. What products are given off or produced as a result of photosynthesis? 4. What compounds enter the process of photosynthesis from outside the plant? 22 Visual Learning Company

23 The Power of Pigments Name: Background: If you have ever been out in the intense sun too long and received a sunburn, you know how powerful the sun s light energy can be. Sunlight is a form of energy referred to as radiation. It travels in waves. The distance between the top or crest of one wave and the crest of the next wave is a wavelength of light. Sunlight, also called white light, is a mixture of all visible wavelengths as well as many wavelengths we can t see. When white light passes through a prism, it is bent by different amounts spreading out the light into a spectrum we see as different colors. The colors appear in order of their wavelengths with the shortest wavelength, violet, at one end, and red, the longest wavelength, at the other end of the spectrum. While light behaves as waves, it also acts as if it were made up of energy particles called photons. The shorter the wavelength of light, the more energy a photon carries. Certain substances, called pigments, are capable of absorbing photons and their energy. Specific types of pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. The different wavelengths of light absorbed by a particular pigment make up its absorption spectrum. Two general types of pigments - chlorophylls and carotenoids are found in green plants. The pigments chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b absorb violet-blue and red light. Carotenoids absorb light primarily in the violet-blue range. Why do plants look green? Chlorophylls and carotenoids do not absorb light in the green part of the spectrum. Instead, they reflect green light. Consequently most plants appear green. Materials: colored pencils Directions: 1. Read the Background section above. Make sure you understand the role and function of pigments in plants. 2. The diagram below illustrates the absorption spectrum of a specific common pigment called chlorphyll a. Take a minute to study the diagram. 3. Use colored pencils to color in the various parts of the spectrum. 4. Use arrows to point out the areas where chlorphyll a absorbs the most light. 5. Answer the following questions: a. What wavelengths of light does chlorophyll a most readily absorb? b. What color of light do these wavelengths represent? c. What colors are not readily absorbed? 23 Visual Learning Company

24 The Power of Pigments Name: 6. The diagram below illustrates the absorption spectrum of a specific common pigment called chlorphyll b. Take a minute to study the diagram. 7. Use colored pencils to color in the various parts of the spectrum. 8. Use arrows to point out the areas where chlorphyll b absorbs the most light. 9. Answer the following questions: a. What wavelengths of light does chlorophyll b most readily absorb? b. What color of light do these wavelengths represent? c. What wavelengths and colors are not readily absorbed? 10. The diagram below illustrates the absorption spectrum of a general group of pigments called carotenoids. Take a minute to study the diagram. 11. Use colored pencils to color in the various parts of the spectrum. 12. Use arrows to point out the areas where carotenoid absorbs the most light. 13. Answer the following questions: a. What wavelengths of light do carotenoids most readily absorb? b. What color of light do these wavelengths represent? c. What wavelengths and colors are not readily absorbed? 24 Visual Learning Company

25 Photosynthetic Structures Name: Background: In green plants, photosynthesis occurs within plant cell structures called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are plant cell parts that contain photosynthetic membranes. The green round structures seen in these plant cells are chloroplasts. Inside a chloroplast are stacks of flattened disc-shaped structures. Each disc is called a thylakoid. Stacks of thylakoids are called grana. The regions between grana make up a part of the chloroplast called the stroma. Located in the thylakoids are chlorophyll and other light capturing pigments. These pigments are organized into units called photosystems. The photosystems are the light-collecting units of chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are very important because they are the sites where the sun s light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy. Directions: 1. The greatly enlarged diagram below represents a cross-sectional view of a chloroplast. Correctly label each structure and briefly describe its function. a. c. b. d. 2. The diagram below is a schematic representation of the photosynthetic processes involved in the light dependent reactions. Describe the specific processes that are occurring in the sections of the diagram labeled a, b, and c. a b c 3. Generally describe the overall reactions of the Calvin cycle. What important products are produced? 25 Visual Learning Company