UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

CENTRE FOR FOUNDATION STUDIES

FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE
MAY 2016
FHSC1214
FUNDAMENTALS OF CELL BIOLOGY
TUTORIAL 12
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Students Guide for Tutorial:
At university level, the tutor facilitates student learning without spoon-feeding.
Therefore, you are expected to:
Read your textbook, attempt the questions before the tutorial
You may enter the class and sign your attendance after showing your tutor that all

tutorial questions have been completed; even if you dont know how to do, write
something - youre not advised to leave answers blank in the finals.
Write answers on board if you wish to receive tutor feedback
(no answer, no feedback)
Be independent: consult textbooks or dictionaries on your own first before asking
the tutor
All questions are compulsory. 1 mark may reflect 1 answer point.
(No half mark is awarded in the finals marks)

Q1.

Figure 1 shows the electron flow from photosystem C to photosystem D in the

light dependent reaction during photosynthesis.

Figure 1
(i)

Name the direct products of the light dependent reaction which will enter
Calvin cycle.
(2 marks)

(ii)

Identify the type of photophosphorylation shown in Figure 1. Provide

your
reason.
(2 marks)

(iii)

Use a table to show how the photosystem C and D differ according to the
following criteria:
(2

marks)
Chlorophyll a reaction centre
Electron source

Photosystem C (PS II)

Reaction
center
Electron
source

Photosystem D (PS I)

(iv)

Fill in the blanks in Table 5 to show the differences between noncyclic

electron transport and cyclic electron transport
(6 marks)
Table 5
Noncyclic electron
transport
Electron source
Oxygen released
Terminal electron
acceptor
Form in which energy
is temporarily stored
Photosystem(s)
required

Q2.

(a)

Cyclic electron
transport
PS II

Yes
ATP

PSI

The carbohydrates in green plants are formed during the light-independent

stage of photosynthesis. They are synthesized from glyceraldehydes-3phosphate (G3P) formed during Calvin cycle shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2
(i)

State precisely where the synthesis of carbohydrates takes place

during the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.
(1
mark)

(ii)

Name the products of the light reaction needed during the synthesis
of carbohydrates.
(2
marks)

(iii)

(b)

Q3.

Out of six molecules of glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate that are

formed during Calvin cycle, one molecule exits the cycle to be
used to synthesize carbohydrates, while the other five molecules
are recycled to generate ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP). Why is this
important?
(2
marks)

Paraquat is a herbicide that prevents the flow of electrons from

photosystem I and reduces oxygen to a chemically reactive superoxide
radical. This results in severe damage to chloroplasts. Explain how the
effects of Paraquat lead to death of a plant.
(3 marks)

Figure 3 shows the electron transport chain of light reaction where, ATP and
NADPH are formed.

Figure 3
4

Q4.

(a)

At B, H+ is pumped across the membrane into the interior of the thylakoid

(lumen). What is the source of energy that pumps the H+ across the
membrane?
(1 mark)

(b)

What is the purpose of pumping the H+ into the lumen?

(2 marks)

(c)

What is A? Describe the action of the membrane protein A.

(4 marks)

Figure 4 is that of an experiment similar to the one conducted by Theodor

Engelmann in 1883. A filament of the alga Cladophora was illuminated as shown.
At the same time, motile, aerobic bacteria were placed in the water with the alga
and their position was determined by microscopic examination after 10 minutes.

Figure 4
(a)

With reference to the Figure 4, explain why the bacteria grouped

together as they did.
(3

marks)

(b)

Describe the role of water in the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis.

(2 marks)
(c)

Differentiate how processes of photophosphorylation and oxidative

phosphorylation differ in the table below.
(4 marks)
photophosphorylation Oxidative
phosphorylation
Source of energy
Exact location
Initial hydrogen/
electron donor
Fate of water &
oxygen

Q5.

Figure 6.3 represents the overall concept of photosynthesis.

Figure 6.3
(a) Name stages C and D, respectively.

(2 marks)

(b) Name the specific structures E and F, respectively.

(2 marks)

(c) Identify the product G and H.

(2 marks)

(d) Determine if stage D is an exergonic or endergonic reaction. Justify your

answer.
(3 marks)