Chapter 7 Study Questions

Chapter 7 Study Questions

  1. What is an absorption spectrum? What is the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll? What is the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum of solar radiation and the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll?

    Textbook Reference: General Concepts, pp.172–174

  2. What is an action spectrum? What is the relationship between the action spectrum for photosynthesis and the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll?

    Textbook Reference: Key Experiments in Understanding Photosynthesis, p. 176

  3. Explain the concept of quantum yield. Compare and contrast the quantum yields of photochemistry, oxygen evolution, and photosynthetic carbon fixation. Explain the differences between the respective quantum yield values.

    Textbook Reference: Key Experiments in Understanding Photosynthesis, pp. 176–178; Organization of Light-Absorbing Antenna Systems, pp. 184–189

  4. Describe the process of ATP synthesis at the thylakoid membrane. Name the reactants, the energy source, and the role of light in the process. Can ATP synthesis take place in thylakoid membranes kept in the dark? Explain your answer.

    Textbook Reference: Key Experiments in Understanding Photosynthesis, pp. 177–179; Proton Transport and ATP Synthesis in the Chloroplast, pp. 193–195

  5. Photosynthesis in oxygen-evolving organisms is said to involve two distinct photosystems. Describe these two photosystems and provide two lines of experimental evidence that led to their discovery.

    Textbook Reference: Key Experiments in Understanding Photosynthesis, p. 179; Mechanisms of Electron Transport, pp. 187–193

  6. What is the role of electron transport in oxygen-evolving photosynthesis? Name the final electron donor and final electron acceptor in photosynthesis. Describe the path traveled by an electron in the electron transport process.

    Textbook Reference: Mechanisms of Electron Transport, pp. 185–193

  7. How are the major pigments and proteins involved in photosynthesis organized in the thylakoid membrane? 

    Textbook Reference: Proton Transport and ATP Synthesis in the Chloroplast, pp. 193–195

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