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Heat stress decreases the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Heat stress decreases the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis. Explain why this leads to a decrease in the light-independent reaction.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Heat stress decreases the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why this leads to a decrease in the light-independent reaction.
Answer
Heat stress can lead to reduced levels of ATP and reduced NADP+ in the chloroplasts.
During the light-dependent reactions, these molecules are generated and are essential for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) to occur.
Therefore, if heat stress significantly impacts the production of ATP and NADPH, it will result in less availability of these energy carriers, consequently decreasing the light-independent reactions.