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Core Topic 6: Photosynthesis & Respiration
Name:

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Multiple Choice Questions

PJC 14/ 24

JJC 14/ 18

RI 14/ 22

PJC 14/ 25

JJC 14/ 19

RI 14/ 23

PJC 14/ 26

NJC 14/ 21

RI 14/ 24

PJC 14/ 27

NJC 14/ 22

RI 14/ 25

ACJC 14/25

AJC 14/ 26

AJC 14/ 27

Structured Questions (Answer all questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided.)
1. In 1882, T. W. Englemann investigated the effect of different wavelengths of light on
photosynthesis. He placed a filamentous green alga into a test-tube along with a
suspension of motile bacteria which move to regions of high oxygen concentration. He
allowed the bacteria to use up the available oxygen and then illuminated the alga with light
that had been passed through a prism to form a spectrum. After a short time, he observed
the results shown in Fig. 1.1. Bacteria, which are indicated by the tiny rectangles, were
distributed evenly throughout the test-tube at the beginning of the experiment.

Fig. 1.1
(a) Using the information provided above, describe how photosynthesis varies with the
wavelength of light.
Photosynthesis is maximum at violet-blue and red regions /
Photosynthesis is maximum at 415 - 475nm and 600-750nm wavelength of light;
Little photosynthesis occurring at green region /
Little photosynthesis is occurring at 475 - 600nm wavelength of light;
[2]
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(b) With reference to light dependent reactions, explain the results observed in Fig. 1.1.
Accessory pigments which comprises of chlorophyll and carotenoids absorbs light
strongly in the blue-violet and red regions ;
Pass the energy to special chlorophyll a molecules in the reaction centres of
photosystems ;
Electrons reach an excited state, are emitted and transferred along the electron
transport chain ;
Photolysis of water release electrons which fills up positive holes in PS II, protons and
O2 which is utilised by bacteria in aerobic respiration ;
[4]
(c) State and explain the difference in observations if water supply to the algae was limited.
No photolysis of water ;
O2 not /less O2 evolved ;
Bacteria evenly distributed throughout algae ;
[3]
[Total 9]
2. Fig. 2.1 shows a stalked particle that is found in internal membranes in cells. These
structures are responsible for the production of ATP that is driven by the proton (H+)
gradient that occurs across such membranes.

Fig 2.1
(a) State the precise locations of such particles in a general plant and animal cell.
Thylakoid membranes within chloroplasts ;
Cristae / inner membranes within mitochondria ;
[2]

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(b) Describe how the structure of the stalked particle is related to its function.
Stalked particle has hydrophobic regions that interact with the hydrophobic regions in
the bilayer, allowing it to be embedded in the membrane ;
Protein has a channel lined with hydrophilic amino acids which allows H+ to move
(down proton gradient) by facilitated diffusion ;
Stalked particle contains catalytic / binding sites, complementary in shape, size,
charge and orientation to the substrate, ADP for synthesis to ATP ;
[2]
Photosynthesis in the green alga occurs in two stages, at the thylakoid membrane (light
dependent) and the stroma (light independent reactions.)
(c) Describe the differences in photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation in
chloroplast and mitochondria.
In PP, the reservoir for H+ ion is within the thylakoid space whereas for OP the
reservoir is that of the intermembranal space of the mitochondria ;
In PP, electrons are derived from PSI, PSII and the photolysis of water whereas OPs
electron is derived from reduced coenzymes ;
In PP, water undergoes photolysis to yield electrons, protons and oxygen whereas in
OP water is formed as oxygen is a final proton and electron acceptor ;
In PP, ATP is synthesized in stroma as protons diffuse from thylakoid space to
stroma, in OP, ATP is synthesized in matrix as protons diffuse from intermembranal
space to matrix ;
In PP, energy synthesis of ATP comes ultimately from light but in OP the energy comes
from oxidation of glucose ;
In PP, NADP+ and PSI act as final electron acceptors in non cyclic and cyclic
phosphorylation but in OP oxygen is the final electron acceptor ;
[5]
[Total 9]

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3. In anaerobic respiration in muscle tissue the conversion of glucose to lactic acid can be
represented as a four stage process as follows:

(a) Name the four stages in terms of the chemical processes occurring.
A: Phosphorylation (of glucose) ;
B: Cleavage / splitting / lysis ; hydrolysis
C: Dehydrogenation (oxidation) or dephosphorylation ;
D: Reduction / hydrogenation ;
[4]
(b) If one molecule of glucose is converted to two molecules of lactic acid, what is the net
synthesis of ATP? Explain your answer.
2 ATP synthesized ;
4 molecules of ATP are synthesized via substrate level phosphorylation / glycolysis
and 2 molecules of ATP are used ;
[2]
(c) In what ways is the ethanol fermentation different from that of lactate fermentation?
Ethanol formation

Lactate formation

In yeast cells

In animal cells

Carbon dioxide released

No carbon dioxide released

Involves the enzyme, decarboxylase &

alcohol dehydrogenase

Involves only lactate dehydrogenase

Converted to ethanal then to ethanol

Direct conversion to lactate

Ethanol cannot be used as energy

source even when aerobic conditions
return

Lactate transported to liver and reconverted

to pyruvate when aerobic conditions return
[3]
[Total: 9]

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4. The light-dependent stage of photosynthesis takes place on thylakoid membranes in

chloroplasts. It is represented by the Z-scheme shown in Fig. 3.1 below. Plastoquinone,
cytochromes, plastocyanin form the electron transport system, ETS.

Note:
Q = plastoquinone
pC = plastocyanin

Fig. 2.1
(a) (i) Describe the pathway of electrons shown in Fig. 2.1.
Electrons from P680 / P700 / chlorophyll a molecules in the Photosystem, PS II / PSI
reaction centre gets excited by light energy gets emitted and captured by the primary
electron acceptor ;
Photolysis of water occurs whereby water is split into two electrons, two hydrogen ions, and
an oxygen atom in the presence of light. The electrons are supplied to the P680 molecules /
PS II to replace electrons lost to the primary electron acceptor ;
Electrons are passed PS II to PS I via an electron transport chain made up of electron
carriers with an energy level lower than the one preceding it ;
The enzyme NADP+ reductase transfers electrons from ferredoxin (Fd) to NADP+. Two
electrons are required for its reduction to NADPH + H+ ;
[4]
(ii) Name the product(s) formed in the light dependent reaction.
Adenosine triphosphate, Oxygen and NADPH + H +
[1]

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(b) Carbon dioxide is a limiting factor that will affect the rate of photosynthesis.
(i) Describe how carbon dioxide is a limiting factor.
Carbon dioxide is a major limiting factor in photosynthesis as concentration in atmosphere
varies from 0.03% to 0.04%.
Carbon dioxide is required in the Calvin cycle / light independent reaction as carbon dioxide
to combine with ribulose bisphosphate ;( ref to formation of glycerate 3 phosphate)
[2]
(ii) Explain two other factors that may affect the plant in photosynthesis.
Temperature. Reactions in photosynthesis are controlled by enzymes and therefore
temperature-sensitive
Light intensity. As light intensity increases, there is an increase in the rate of lightdependent reactions / photosynthesis, as more electrons are excited to higher energy
levels/ more electrons are excited and emitted from PSI and PSII;
High concentration of oxygen generally inhibits photosynthesis. Oxygen competes with
carbon dioxide for the active site in ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, thus
reducing the rate of photosynthesis ;
[2]
(c) In a study of the animals found in the Amazon, a unique species of lizard is found to be
able to skip across rivers in a sudden sprint. The tissues of this lizard are investigated
and found that they are capable of extended anaerobic respiration. The energy output
from this type of respiration however does not yield much energy. A certain compound
was found to accumulate in the muscles of these lizards as well.
(i) Compare the energy output of this type of respiration carried out by the lizard
against aerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration produces 32 ATP but anaerobic respiration produces 2 ATP, Anaerobic
respiration has a very low energy output compared to aerobic respiration ;
[1]
(ii) Explain the low yield of energy that is generated by this type of respiration.
ATP is produced by glycolysis only, processes including link reaction, Krebs cycle and
oxidative phosphorylation does not occur ;
Reduced coenzymes are not oxidised by oxidative phosphorylation resulting in low
production of ATP ;

[2]
(iii) Suggest the name of the compound that was found in the tissues of the lizard.
Lactate / lactic acid;
[1]

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(iv) Explain why the formation of the compound is necessary to enable anaerobic
respiration to continue.
When pyruvate is converted to lactate, reduced NAD is oxidized to NAD+ / NAD+ is
regenerated;
NAD+ is required for glycolysis to continue in anaerobic respiration for ATP synthesis ;

[2]
[Total: 15]
5. ATP synthase, also known as a stalked particle, is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP from
ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Fig. 2.1 shows the structure of ATP synthase. It is found
in both the chloroplast and the mitochondria.
Proton
channel

C
B

Fig. 6.1
(a) Identify the regions (A, B, C) as found in the mitochondrion and chloroplast
respectively.

Mitochondria

A
intermembrane space
[]

B
matrix []

C
inner mitochondria
membrane []

Chloroplast

thylakoid space []

stroma []

thylakoid
membrane []
[3]

In both organelles, a proton gradient exists across the membrane where ATP synthase
is located. The synthesis of ATP by ATP synthase is coupled with the diffusion of H +
across the proton channel down its concentration gradient.
(b) Describe how this proton gradient is generated in the following organelles.
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Mitochondria
electrons from NADH and FADH2 are channelled into the electron transport chain
electrons from the reduced coenzymes are passed along of series of electron carriers of
progressively lower energy levels to O2, the final electron acceptor
energy released from electron transport is used to pump protons from the matrix into the
intermembrane space, creating the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane

Chloroplasts
upon absorption of light, electron is displaced from a special chlorophyll a molecule / from
the reaction centre of photosystems I and II
electron passes along a chain of electron carriers of progressively lower energy levels
energy released from electron transport is used to pump protons from stroma into thylakoid
space, creating a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane

[6]

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Oligomycin is a chemical that inhibits ATP synthase by blocking the proton channel. When the
proton channel is blocked, H+ no longer diffuses across the membrane and thus ATP synthesis
stops. Administering oligomycin to an individual will result in high levels of lactate in blood and
urine.
(c) Indicate in the graph below, the effect of administering a fixed amount of oligomycin on the
rate of ATP synthesis.

without oligomycin
Rate of
ATP
synthesis
by ATP
synthase

with oligomycin

Concentration of ADP and Pi

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[1]
[Total: 10]

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6. JJC Prelim 07 (structured)

The light-dependent stage of photosynthesis takes place on thylakoid membranes in
chloroplasts. These membranes surround the thylakoid space (lumen) and are arranged
into stacks known as grana. Figure 8.1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of
photosystems in the thylakoid membrane, and summarising the processes that take
place there.

Figure 8.1
(a) With reference to Fig 8.1, state
(i) the pigment represented by P680 and P700.
Special chlorophyll a;
[1]
(ii) the type of molecule represented by G.
Electron carrier;
[1]
(iii) the function of ATP and reduced NADP in the reactions shown.
The reducing power of reduced NADP and energy from the hydrolysis of ATP;
are used to convert glycerate phosphate to glyceraldehyde phosphate;
energy from the hydrolysis of ATP is needed for regeneration of ribulose
bisphosphate;
[2]
(iii) why the pH of the thylakoid space (lumen) is lower than that of the stroma.
High proton concentration in the thylakoid space;
Photolysis of water occurs in thylakoid space which produces proton;
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[1]
(b) Explain the function of this pH gradient.
Protons diffuse from thylakoid space into the stroma down the electrochemical proton
gradient;
through stalked particle containing ATP synthase;
Synthesising ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate;
By chemiosmosis;
[3]
(c) Herbicides (weedkillers) act on the chloroplast thylakoids. They interfere with electron
transport by accepting electrons and prevent the light-dependent stage of
photosynthesis from taking place. Suggest how this causes plants to die.
No photophoshorylation will occurs therefore ATP and reduced NADP will not be
produced;
Without products from light dependent reaction, Calvin cycle cannot occurs and no
production of glucose / carbohydrates / respiratory substrate;
[2]
The graphs below show the effects of light intensity and temperature on the rate of
photosynthesis in two species of plants, A and B.

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Correction to graph:
The graph given in the question showed the rate at which sun plants photosynthesise as
being higher than that of shade plants and that is incorrect.
The graph for rate of photosynthesis vs light intensity should look like the graph below.
At LOW LIGHT intensities, the rate of photosynthesis for sun plants (A) should be lower
than that for shade (B) plants.

(d) (i) Over what range of light intensity is light a limiting factor for photosynthesis in
species
B?
0 30 a.u;
[1]
(ii) Species A normally grows in tropical areas. Give two pieces of evidence from the
graphs which support this.
tropical areas has higher light intensity and optimum light intensity for photosynthesis
is high at > 70 a.u;
higher environmental temperature and optimum temperature for photosynthesis is
high at > 40oC;
[2]
(iii) From the results of this investigation, suggest why Species A growing in shade on
the forest floor will not be able to survive.
Species A has higher light compensation point and require higher light intensity for the
rate of photosynthesis to be balanced by the rate of respiration/ Require higher light
intensities to reach maximum rate of photosynthesis therefore unable to
photosynthesize at low light intensities on the forest floor / survive;
to produce enough sugars via photosynthesis to exceed use via respiration, so that
the plant can survive and grow;
[2]
[Total: 15]
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7. ACJC Prelim 05
Heart muscle cells and epidermal cells were extracted from Chinese hamsters. The cells
were lysed and the mitochondria and cytosol were isolated. The mitochondria and
cytosol were then mixed and re-suspended in a culture of essential nutrients. This
suspension system was used to study the process of cellular respiration.
At time 0, glucose was added to the system. At Time X, Digitonin, a detergent which
disrupts membranes was introduced to the suspension system. A probe was used to
measure the concentrations of ATP as well as the pH level in the mitochondria.
The experimental results are recorded in the graphs shown. Fig. 6A shows the rate of
ATP production for heart muscle cells and epidermal cells. Fig. 6B shows the pH level of
the mitochondria in both heart muscle and epidermal cells

.
(a) Account for the difference in the level of ATP production in both tissues after
glucose was added.
Heart cells produce a higher level of ATP as it contains more mitochondria than
epidermal cells;
[1]
(b) With reference to Fig. 6A, explain the changes in ATP production over time for the
heart muscle cell suspension.
Initial lag in ATP production because glycolysis is occurring to produce 2 ATP per
glucose by substrate level phosphorylation;
Rate of ATP production increase rapidly because ATP is produced by ETC in
oxidative phosphorylation;
At X, detergent disrupt integrity of mitochondria membrane, protons leaked out and
electrochemical proton gradient can not be created / chemiosmosis cannot occur;
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Rate of ATP production levels off because glycolysis can still occur and decreases to
zero when glucose is used up;
[3]
(c) With reference to Fig. 6B, state which region of the mitochondrion the pH probe was
measuring. Explain your conclusion.
Intermembrane space;
Protons are actively pumped from matrix into intermembrane membrane space to
create the steep proton gradient;
[2]
(d) Suggest why cytosol was used to re-suspend the mitochondria.
Enzymes involved in glycolysis are present;
Glycolysis can occur to oxidise glucose to pyruvate to enter mitochondria;
[1]
(e) From your biological knowledge, explain the adaptation of the double membrane for
its role in the production of energy.
Compartmentalisation so that reactions can occur in different locations;
Membrane is impermeable to protons, creating proton gradient across the inner
mitochondrial membrane;
Highly folded Inner membrane increase surface area for stalked particles containing
ATP synthase and electron carriers to be embedded;
[3]
[Total: 10]

PP2CB/ JJC12/5
8. Fig. 5.1 shows the events in the light dependent reaction.

Fig. 5.1
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State the names of locations A and B within the chloroplast. [2]

Location A: Thylakoid space
Location B: Stroma

Fig. 5.2 is shows the magnified view of Photosystem I in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.2
(b) Explain why the membrane in Fig. 5.2 is considered to be fluid mosaic. [3]
fluid: phospholipids and proteins are able to move freely within the phospholipid
bilayer;
Phospholipids are able to move laterally within a layer and flip-flop between layers;
Mosaic: protein molecules are embedded and scattered among the phospholipids;

(c)

Describe the role of water in the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis. [3]

photolysis of water where water is split to give hydrogen ions, electrons and oxygen;
electrons are used to fill the positive hole in PSII/ special chlorophyll a in P680;
protons combine with electrons from PSI to form hydrogen atoms which is used to
reduce oxidised NADP to reduced NADP;

Fig. 5.3 shows an enlarged drawing of Structure C. The flow of protons down a proton
gradient turns part of Structure C and results in the synthesis of ATP from ADP and
inorganic phosphate (Pi).

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Fig. 5.3
(d) (i) Explain why structure C is required for the transport of H + across membrane. [2]
thylakoid membrane is impermeable to H+/ H+ cannot diffuse across the thylakoid
membrane;
ATP synthase within stalked particles contains a hydrophilic channel for H + to diffuse
down the electrochemical proton gradient, from the thylakoid space into the stroma;

(ii) Describe how the proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis is produced. [2]
electrons pass down the a series of electron carriers on the ETC, each with an energy
level lower than the one preceding it;
energy released from the movement of electrons is used to pump H + from the stroma
into the thylakoid space;

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9. PP2CB NJC 13/6

Fig. 6.1 illustrates what happens on thylakoid membrane during daytime.

Fig.6.1
(a)
(i)
Describe how electron transport chain leads to ATP production.
electrons emitted from PS I and II are passed down a series of electron carriers,
each with an energy level lower than the one preceeding it;
the energy from the flow of electrons is used to actively transport protons,
against its concentration gradient, from the stroma to the thylakoid space,
generating an electrochemical proton gradient;
proton will diffuse down its concentration gradient back into the stroma
through stalked particles containing ATP synthase, synthesising ATP from ADP
+ Pi;
[3]
(ii)

Compare the initial electron donor and final electron acceptor between oxidative
phosphorylation and non-cyclic photophosphorylation.

Initial electron donor

Final electron
acceptor

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Oxidative
phosphorylation

Photophosphorylation

NADH2 and FADH2

H2O

O2

NADP+

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[2]

(b)

A point mutation results in dysfunctional NADP + reductase. State and explain how the
concentration of Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate in the chloroplasts would be affected.
oxidised NADP cannot be reduced to reduced NADP;
no reducing power of the reduced coenzyme to form glyceraldehyde 3
phosphate;
RuBP cannot be regenerated while carbon fixation continues to occur;
concentration of RuBP will decrease;
[3]

(c)

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate exits the Calvin cycle for production of glucose, which will be
used for cell wall formation. Explain how the structure of cellulose allows it to serve its
function.
glucose units with alternating units rotated 180 O joined by -1,4 glycosidic
bonds to form cellulose chains;
cross-linking/numerous H bonds between protruding OH of different cellulose
chains forming microfibrils;
microfibrils bundle to form macrofibrils, held together in a matrix;
allowing for high tensile strength and insolubility for cellulose to give structural
support to a plant cell;
[4]
[Total: 12]

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