Plants Plants are autotrophic.

Synthesis building of complex molecules from and enzymes Complex food compounds that a plant makes: Glucose Starch Amino acids and proteins Nucleic acids Lipids simpler substances, requires energy

(C,H,O) (N,C,H,O) (N,C,H,O, Phosphorous) (C,H,O)

Plant autotrophic nutrition provides: o Complex food compounds, which can be eaten by heterotrophic organisms o Supply of oxygen for aerobic respirations in all organisms. Chloroplasts o Contain chlorophyll (green pigment) o Chlorophyll allows the energy in sunlight to drive chemical reactions o Chloroplasts act as energy transducers Light energy Chemical energy

Measuring Photosynthesis o Starch test- to see if photosynthesis has occurred (qualitative) o Oxygen test quantitative

Requirements for photosynthesis Depends on: Availability of light Provides energy Depends on: o Intensity o Wavelength o Duration Presence of pigment to absorb light Chlorophyll essential, requires magnesium ions Supply of carbon dioxide and water Carbon dioxide concentration substrate that is in shortest supply

Water availability shortage closes stomata, limits carbon dioxide uptake Temperature suitable for enzyme activity A rise in temperature will increase the rate of photosynthesis, however higher t emperatures cause denaturation If any of these factors is in short supply the photosynthesis rate will be less than the maximum possible rate. Limiting factor the factor furthest from optimum level, controlling the rate of the overall process. Greenhouse effect -Raises temperature and carbon dioxide concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis. Poison can prevent photosynthesis. Greenhouses can be built to control limiting factors

Photosynthesis and the environment In the light o Photosynthesis > respiration o Carbon dioxide removed o Oxygen added In the dark o Photosynthesis < respiration o Carbon dioxide added o Oxygen removed Compensation point glucose consumed by respiration is exactly balanced by the gl ucose produced by photosynthesis. Hydrogen carbonate indicator can demonstrate the change in carbon dioxide levels - -sensitive to pH changes carbon dioxide produces carbonic acid Whats taken in: Water (includes mineral ions) Carbon dioxide Whats produced : Photosynthesis Glucose Oxidation energy used to drive all the other reactions Condensation sucrose (transport form of carbohydrate) Starch (storage form of carbohydrate) Cellulose (structural form of carbohydrate in walls) Reduction fat for long-term energy storage oils part of cell membranes Amino acids and proteins (including enzymes) Nucleic acids (including DNA, carry information for synthesis) The carbon cycle - atoms are recycled between simple and complex molecules, thro ugh the bodies of plants, animals and other living organisms.

Leaves For photosynthesis it needs: Exchange of gases A way of delivering water System of removal of glucose Efficient means of absorbing light energy Waxy cuticle reduces water loss. Upper surface is thicker Upper epidermis covering, one cell thick. Transparent so that light can pass thr ough. Prevents entry of disease causing organisms. Palisade mesophyll densely packed maximum amount of light energy absorbed. Conta in many chloroplasts Spongy mesophyll loosely packed, layer of water. Air spaces between them help di ffusion and are saturated with water vapour so that water diffuses out. Vein transport system xylem deliver water and mineral salts. Phloem carry away organic products of photosynthesis (glucose) Stomata pores , allow the entry of carbon dioxide and the exit of oxygen mainly present in the lower epidermis Less exposed to the suns radiation so evaporation of water is minimal Can be closed when to carbon dioxide is needed (in the dark) When plant is short of water guard cells become flaccid When plant has plenty of water guard cells become turgid Inside wall is very thick as the cell swells up it opens.

How plants are adapted for photosynthesis Leaf stalk holds leaf in the best position to receive light Leaf has a large surface area and is thin Light passes easily through cells in upper epidermis Palisade cells are packed closely together filled with chloroplasts. Best site f or photosynthesis light penetrates, chlorophyll present, water and carbon dioxid e delivered Cell wall and cell membrane are permeable to water and carbon dioxide (dissolved ) Chloroplasts can move within the cell to make use of the light Spongy cells have few chloroplasts, large spaces between them allow easy diffusi on of water and carbon dioxide to palisade cells Stomata pores allow carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis Water raw material Light energy arrives trapped by chlorophyll molecules Splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen the light reaction Oxygen released Carbon dioxide can diffuse into the region between the green membranes Hydrogen and carbon dioxide react - form glucose, catalyzed by enzymes the dark reaction Glucose often stored as starch grains