AP Biology - Photosynthesis Study Guide
Chapter 10
Being that this is tightly connected to Respiration, one of
the key things you should be familiar with are the similarities and differences
to aerobic respiration. This would extend to include purposes of the different
processes (think of the light dependent and Calvin cycle and Krebs and Ox. Phosph. as different processes), the reactants/products, the
organelle structure, the organelle components
On a related note, what are the purposes of the light dependent
and Calvin cycles?
You should also understand the mechanisms behind how
specifically photons of light trigger the series of events that ultimately
leads to generation of sugars.
Understand the nature of autotrophs
verses heterotrophs.
Know the products and reactants of each part of
photosynthesis. Know the different phases of each part of photosynthesis.
Understand ecologically why photosynthesis is so important
(not just for the food sources…)
Why is hot weather so detrimental to C3 plants? What are the
tradeoffs a plant must make in arid regions?
How are C3, C4 and
Structurally, know the different parts of the chloroplast
and how the shape of these parts (compartmentalization) is related to their
function.
Be able to differentiate the two photosystems,
and understand the significance of cyclic and noncyclic
electron flow within the light-dependent reactions (what is the purpose of
each). Where do the electrons come from in each? What is the significance of
this? How does this change in cyclic electron flow?
You should know all of the terms from the chapter and their
definitions.
What is photorespiration? Why is it believed to be an
evolutionary relic? How big of a problem is this for plants? For
farmers?
What is the function of Rubisco?
What is PEP Carboxylase? Why is it
important to certain plants?
How are different wavelengths of
light different for photosynthesis (for example why does P680 split water while
P700 doesn’t)?
Why do leaves look green?
What are the different categories of plant pigments?
Since so many of you (all of you) omitted the formula for
respiration on the last essays, you should probably also know the formula for
photosynthesis.
What is photoexcitation? Be able
to describe what happens when a photon strikes a molecule of chlorophyll.
What is meant by the term photophosphorylation?
Also, you should know the experiments that led biologists to
recognize the source of oxygen for the O2 that plants produce.
As always, this is simply a guide, not a comprehensive list
of all that will be on the test…