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11. (a) (i) What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis? (ii) Write an equation to summarize photosynthesis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 11 - 2006

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11. (a) (i) What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis? (ii) Write an equation to summarize photosynthesis. (b) The second stage of photosy... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:11. (a) (i) What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis? (ii) Write an equation to summarize photosynthesis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 11 - 2006

Step 1

(a) (i) What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

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Answer

The primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is to trap and utilize light energy. This energy is then converted into chemical energy, which facilitates the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Step 2

(a) (ii) Write an equation to summarize photosynthesis.

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Answer

The simplified equation for photosynthesis can be represented as:

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Step 3

(b) (i) Why is the dark stage given the alternative name of the light-independent stage?

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Answer

The dark stage is termed the light-independent stage because it does not require light directly to occur. Instead, it utilizes the chemical energy produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis.

Step 4

(b) (ii) Name a gas that is essential for the dark stage.

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Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for the dark stage of photosynthesis.

Step 5

(b) (iii) Two products of the light stage are vital for the dark stage. Name each of them.

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Answer

The two products of the light stage that are vital for the dark stage are:

  1. NADPH
  2. ATP

Step 6

(b) (iv) State the precise role in the dark stage of each of the substances that you named in (iii).

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In the dark stage:

  • NADPH supplies hydrogen or reduces compounds crucial for the synthesis of glucose.
  • ATP provides the energy required for the biochemical processes that convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Step 7

(b) (v) To what group of biomolecules do the main products of the dark stage belong?

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The main products of the dark stage belong to the group of biomolecules known as carbohydrates, specifically sugars.

Step 8

(c) (i) Water is essential for photosynthesis. Briefly outline how water from the soil reaches the leaf.

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Answer

Water from the soil reaches the leaf through the following process:

  1. Water is absorbed by the root hairs via osmosis due to the higher concentration of solutes inside the root cells.
  2. It then travels through the xylem vessels that conduct water upward, assisted by transpiration pull.
  3. As water evaporates from the stomata in the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that helps draw more water up from the roots.

Step 9

(c) (ii) What happens to water molecules when they reach the sites of photosynthesis?

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Answer

When water molecules reach the sites of photosynthesis within the chloroplasts, they undergo a process known as photolysis or splitting. This process produces protons, electrons, and oxygen, where the electrons are used in the electron transport chain, and the oxygen is released as a byproduct.

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