Photosynthesis (A-Level) — A-Level Biology Revision
Revise Photosynthesis (A-Level) for A-Level Biology. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Respiration (A-Level)What is Photosynthesis (A-Level)?
Photosynthesis is the process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, through a process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. At A-Level, this is broken down into two stages: the light-dependent reactions, which occur in the thylakoid membranes and produce ATP and reduced NADP, and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle), which occur in the stroma and use these products to fix carbon dioxide and produce glucose.
Board notes: Photosynthesis is a major topic in all A-Level Biology specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The details of the light-dependent and light-independent reactions, including the roles of ATP, NADP, and the Calvin cycle, are covered in depth. The required practicals often involve investigating the effect of limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
To calculate the rate of photosynthesis, you can measure the volume of oxygen produced over time. If a plant produces 5 cm³ of oxygen in 10 minutes, the rate of photosynthesis is 5 cm³ / 10 min = 0.5 cm³/min. You can then investigate how factors like light intensity or carbon dioxide concentration affect this rate.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the locations of the light-dependent and light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reactions happen in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts, while the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) take place in the stroma.
- 2Not understanding the role of NADP. NADP is a coenzyme that acts as an electron carrier. In the light-dependent reactions, it is reduced to NADPH, which then carries the high-energy electrons to the light-independent reactions.
- 3Forgetting that the Calvin cycle is a cycle. The starting compound, ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), is regenerated at the end of the cycle, allowing it to continue.
Photosynthesis (A-Level) exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Photosynthesis (A-Level)
Core concept
Photosynthesis is the process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, through a process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. A…
Frequently asked questions
What are the limiting factors of photosynthesis?
The main limiting factors of photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. The rate of photosynthesis is limited by the factor that is in the shortest supply.
What is photorespiration?
Photorespiration is a wasteful process that occurs when the enzyme RuBisCO fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. It reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis, particularly in hot, dry conditions when plants close their stomata to conserve water.