25 E19 20 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants 1589118197

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
S.No. CONTENTS Page

PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN HIGHER PLANTS
43. Introduction 64
44. What do we know 64
45. Early experiments 65
46. Where does photosynthesis take place 67
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47. Alignment of chloroplasts 67
48. How many pigments are involved in photosynthesis 68
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49. Absorption spectrum 70
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50. What is light reaction 72
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51. Emerson effect and red drop 73
52. Photophosphorylation 74
53. Chemiosmotic hypothesis 20 76

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54. Where are the ATP and NADPH used 78
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55. Calvin cycle 78
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56. Hatch and Slack cycle 80

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57. CAM pathway 82
58. Photorespiration 83
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59. Factors affecting photosynthesis 85

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60. Exercise-I (Conceptual Questions) 89
61. Exercise-II (Previous Years Questions) 97
62. Exercise-III (Analytical Questions) 101
63. Exercise-IV (Assertion & Reason) 105

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Photosynthesis : Photosynthesis as a means of autotrophic nutrition; Site of photosynthesis take place; pigments
involved in Photosynthesis (Elementary idea); Photochemical and biosynthetic phases of photosynthesis; Cyclic and
non cyclic photophosphorylation; Chemiosmotic hypothesis; Photorespiration C3 and C4 pathways; Factors affecting
photosynthesis.
iii
Pre-Medical : Biology
ALLEN
PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN HIGHER PLANTS
Green plants carry out photosynthesis , a physico chemical process by which they use light energy to drive
the synthesis of organic compounds. Ultimately all living forms on earth depend on sunlight for energy. The
use of energy from sunlight by plants for doing photosynthesis is the basis of life on earth.
Photosynthesis is important due to two reasons :
(i) It is primary source of all food on earth.
(ii) It is responsible for the release of oxygen into the atmosphere.
Features of photosynthesis :
(a) Endergonic (Endothermic) process :
Reason : Require sunlight as a source of energy.
(b) Uphill process :
Reason : CO2 is a weak electron acceptor.
(c) Redox process :
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Reason : Light reaction (splitting of water) is an oxidation and dark reaction (CO2 fixation) is a reduction step.
(d) Physico chemical process :
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Reason : Mechanism of photosynthesis convert light energy (physical form) into glucose/starch (chemical form).
-2
E WHAT DO WE KNOW
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Some simple experiments shows that chlorophyll (green pigment of the leaf), light and CO2 are required for
photosynthesis to occur.
20
Look for starch formation in two leaves – a variegated leaf or a leaf that was partially covered with
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black paper and one that was exposed to light. On testing these leaves for starch it was clear that
photosynthesis occurred only in the green parts of the leaves in the presence of light.
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Another experiment is the half-leaf experiment, where a part of a leaf is enclosed in a test tube (wide mouth
bottle) containing some KOH soaked cotton (which absorbs CO2), while the other half is exposed to air. The
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setup is then placed in light for some time. On testing for starch later in the two halves of the leaf, the exposed
part of the leaf tested positive for starch while the portion that was in the tube, tested negative. This shows that
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CO2 is required for photosynthesis.

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Leaf attached Area of leaf

with plant unaffected with
Z:\NODE02\B0AI-B0\TARGET\BIO\ENG\MODULE_6\01-PLANT_PHYSIOLOGY\03-PHOTO-E.P65
lodine
Black paper
Starch test
strip
Areas of leaf
Clip to hold affected with
paper Iodine
Moll's Half leaf experiment Variegated leaf experiment
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Early experiments
Stephen Hales : He is credited for discovery of photosynthesis and known as father of plant physiology.
Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) :
In 1770 he performed a series of experiments that revealed the essentail role of air in the growth of green
plants. He also discovered oxygen in 1774.
Priestley’s observation :
(i) A candle burning in a closed space i.e. a bell jar, soon

gets extinguished.
(ii) Similarly, a mouse would soon suffocate in a closed space.
Priestley’s conclusion :
He concluded that a burning candle or an animal that breathe

(a) (b)
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the air, both somehow, damage the air. But when he placed
a mint plant in the same bell jar, he found that the mouse
stayed alive and candle continued to burn.
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Priestley’s hypothesis :
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Plants restore to the air whatever breathing animals
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and burning candles remove.
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(c) (d)
Jan Ingenhousz (1730-1799) : 20
Priestley’s experiment
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Using a similar setup as the one used by Priestley but by placing it once in the dark and once in the light, he
showed that sunlight is essential to the plant process (photosynthesis) that somehow purifies the air fouled by
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burning candles or breathing animals.
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In an another elegant experiment with an aquatic plant showed that in bright sunlight small bubbles were
formed around the green parts, while in the dark they did not.
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Conclusion :
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It is only the green parts of the plants that could release oxygen in the presence of sunlight.
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Julius Von Sachs (1854) :

He provided evidences for production of glucose when plants grow. Glucose is usually stored as starch.
Glucose – Chemically reactive and soluble
Sucrose – Chemically inactive and soluble

Starch – Chemically inactive and insoluble
His later studies showed that the green substance in plants is located in special bodies within plant cells. (Today
the green colour substance is known as chlorophyll and special bodies are chloroplasts)
By the middle of nineteenth century the empirical equation representing the total process of
photosynthesis for oxygen evolving organisms was then understood as :
CO2 + H2O ¾¾¾
Light
® [CH2O] + O2
where [CH2O] represented a carbohydrate (eg. Glucose, a six carbon sugar)
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Cornelius Van Niel (1891-1985)
A milestone contribution to the understanding of photosynthesis was made by him. He was a microbiologist.
He based upon his studies of purple and green bacteria, demonstrated that
“Photosynthesis is essentially a light dependent reaction in which hydrogen from a suitable oxidisable
compound reduces carbon di-oxide to carbohydrates”
This can be expressed by :
2H2A + CO2 ¾¾¾

Light
® 2A + CH2O + H2O
· In green plants and BGA, H2O is the hydrogen donor and is oxidised to O2.
· In purple and green sulphur bacteria H2S is the hydrogen donor and is oxidised to sulphur or sulphate
depending on the organism.
“He inferred that the O2 evolved by the green plant comes from H2O, not from CO2”
Robert Hill and Bendall :

They are credited for :
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· Detailed study of light reaction and proposed Z scheme.
R. Hill :–
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Detailed study of light reaction in isolated chloroplast of Stellaria
-2
plant. He illuminated the isolated chloroplasts of Stellaria media O2 O2 O2
in the presence of hydrogen acceptors (ferricyanides) in the
E REDUCED
HYDROGEN
19
absence of carbon dioxide. The chloroplasts evolved oxygen ACCEPTOR
ISOLATED
CHLOROPLAST
2A + 2H2O ¾¾¾¾
Sunlight
Hill reagent
® 2AH2 + O2 CO2
FREE MEDIUM
A = Hydrogen acceptor (Hill reagent)
Hill reagent
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Natural Artificial
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eg. NADP eg. Potassium ferricyanide,
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Benzoquinone, chromate and DCPIP etc.

DCPIP (Dichlorophenol indophenol) is a blue colour dye, which become colourless on reduction.
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Ruben, Hasid and Kamen :

They proved that the O2 evolved by the green plant comes from H2O, not from CO2 by using radioisotopic
techniques.
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This can be expressed as :

A
16 18 16 16 18
Sunlight
6CO 2 +12H2O ¾¾¾¾
Pigments
® C 6H12O 6 + 6H2O + 6O2
“The correct equation that would represent the overall process of photosynthesis is therefore”
Sunlight
6CO2 + 12 H2O C6 H12 O6 + 6 H2O + 6 O2
Q. Can you explain why twelve molecules of water as substrate are used in the following equation ?
6CO2 + 12H2O ¾¾¾
Light
® C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2
Ans. To make one molecule of glucose total six turns of Calvin cycle are required. Per Calvin cycle there is a need of
+
2 NADPH(H ) and to fulfil this need 2 molecules of H 2O splits. Therefore splitting of total 12 molecules of H2O
occur.
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Where does photosynthesis take place ?
Photosynthesis does take place in the green leaves of plants but it does so also in other green parts of the plants.
There is a clear cut division of labour within the chloroplast.
Q. Can you name some parts of plants other than leaves, where photosynthesis may occur ?
Ans. Sepals, herbaceous stem and unripe green fruits (green chilly, green tomato) etc.
Chloroplast
Membranous Fluid
system stroma
Grana Stroma Enzymatic reaction incorporate CO2

lamellae lamellae into the plant leading to the synthesis
of sugar, which in turn forms starch.
Responsible for trapping This is not directly light driven but are
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the light energy and also the dependent on the products of light
for the synthesis of ATP reactions (ATP and NADPH) and are
and NADPH called, by convention, as dark
0
(This is directly light driven reactions or carbon reactions.
and called light reaction or
-2
photochemical reaction)
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20
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Alignment of chloroplasts :
Usually the chloroplasts align themselves along the walls of the mesophyll cells, such that they get the optimum
quantity of the incident light.
Conditions Alignment of chloroplasts

High light intensity Parallel to the incident light / Lateral walls (Parastrophe)
Low light intensity Perpendicular to the incident light (Epistrophe)
Moderate light intensity Random (Apostrophe)

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High light Low light Moderate light
Parastrophe Epistrophe
Chloroplast Apostrophe
Various kinds of alignment of chloroplasts
Q. When do you think the chloroplasts will be aligned with their flat surface parallel to the walls ?
Ans. Under high light conditions, this is called parastrophe.
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Q. When do you think chloroplast will be perpendicular to the incident light ?
Ans. Under low light conditions, this is called epistrophe.
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How many pigments are involved in Photosynthesis
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Leaf pigments can be separated from any green plant through paper chromatography, and the picture
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obtained is called chromatogram.
Chromatographic separation of the leaf pigments shows that the colour we see in leaves is not due to a
single pigment but due to four pigments :
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(i) Chl - a (Bright green or blue green)
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(ii) Chl - b (Yellow green)
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(iii) Xanthophyll (Yellow)

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(iv) Carotene (Yellow orange)

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Bacteriochlorophyll or Bacteriopurpurin :
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It is purple colour pigment, molecular formula is C55H74O6N4Mg. It occurs inside purple bacteria.
Bacterioviridin or chlorobium chlorophyll :
It is a green colour pigment, occur inside green bacteria.
Types of pigments :
(A) Chlorophylls (B) Carotenoids (C) Phycobillins
(A) Chlorophylls :
They are green colour pigments and occur inside chloroplast. These pigments are lipid in nature, insoluble
in water and soluble in organic solvents.
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Types of chlorophyll :
(1) Chlorophyll-a
· Its a bluish green or bright green pigment with molecular formula C55H72O5N4 Mg.
· Chlorophyll-a is a universal photosynthetic pigment
Reason : Present in every photosyntehtic organism (except eubacteria)
· Chlorophyll-a is a primary photosynthetic pigment.
Reason : Primary reaction of photosynthesis which involve conversion of light energy into chemical energy
(ATP and NADPH) is mediated by chl-a molecule (Reaction center)
· Chlorophyll-a is most abundant photosynthetic pigment.
Synthesis :
Light
Glycine + Succinyl CoA ¾® Protochlorophyll (protochlorophyllide) ¾¾¾
2H
® Chlorophyll-a
¾
Glutamic acid ¾® Chlorophyll-a
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Three minerals are essentail for chlorophyll synthesis namely Mg, Fe and N (Mg and N are structural constituent)
Light is compulsory for chlorophyll synthesis in Angiosperms.
Structure of chlorophyll-a :
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Structure of chl-a look like tadpole.
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E Tadpole
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Porphyrin Head
Size = 15 × 15 Å
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Phytol Tail (C20H39OH)
Size = 20 Å long
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It is hydrophilic and It is hydrophobic and
acidic in nature alcoholic in nature
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Its a tetrapyrole structure Tail remain embedded in
Mg is held by 2 coordinate lipid bilayer of thylakoid
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and 2 covalent bonds membrane.

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(2) Chlorophyll-b
It is yellow green pigment, molecular formula is C55H70O6N4 Mg.
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It is structurally similar to chl-a, except it has –CHO group in place of –CH3 at III position of II pyrrole ring.
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(3) Chlorophyll-c
Chlorophyll-c lacks phytol tail.
(4) Chlorophyll-d
(5) Chlorophyll-e
(B) Carotenoids :
Carotenoids are yellow to yellow orange colour pigments occur alone inside chromoplast and occur alongwith
chlorophylls inside chloroplast. These pigments are universal in occurence (except eubacteria) and insoluble
in water.
Chemically they are terpenes and considered as most stable pigments. Light is not necessary for their synthesis.
They are hydro carbons with conjugated double bonds (–CH=CH–CH=CH–)
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Carotenoids
Carotenes Xanthophyll
· They are yellow orange · They are yellow coloured oxygen
coloured purely hydrocarbon containing derivative of carotenes.
and empirical formula is C40H56 (C40H56O, C40H56O2 etc.)
· They are of three types : · Lutein : It is common in plants
(a) a - carotene (b) b - carotene (c) g - carotene and responsible for autumn colour
· b Carotene are common in of leaf
plants and also responsible · Diatoxanthin (Dinoflagellates),
for colour of carrot. Fucoxanthin (Brown algae)
Functions of carotenoids :
(1) They are accessory pigments and make photosynthesis more efficient by absorbing different wavelengths of light.
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(2) They protect chl-a from photo oxidation and they also protect photosynthetic machinery by converting lethal
nascent oxygen into unharmful molecular oxygen, thus called shield pigments.
–CH = CH – CH = CH – + [O] ¾® –CH – CH – CH – CH – –CH = CH – CH = CH– + O2
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O O
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(3) b-carotene is acts as a precursor of vitamin-A
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C40H56 + 2H2O ¾¾¾¾¾¾® 2C19H27CH2OH
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b-carotene vitamin-A
(4) They help in entomophilly and zoochory.
(C) Phycobillins :
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· They are hot water soluble, open tetrapyrrole pigments which are associated with proteins.
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· They lack Mg and phytol tail.
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Types :
(i) Phycocyanin – Blue (ii) Phycoerythrin – Red (iii) Allophycocyanin – Light blue
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They occur exclusively in BGA and Red algae as an accessory pigments.

Special points :
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· Etiolation : Yellowing of leaves due to deficiency of light.

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· Phytochrome : It is a proteinaceous (chromoprotein) pigment in angiosperms and responsible for seed

germination and flowering.
Absorption spectrum :
It is a graphic representation of absorption of different wavelength of light by various pigment molecules. (chl-
a, chl-b and carotenoids)
T.W. Engelmann (1843-1909) :
He described the first action spectrum of photosynthesis. By using a prism he split sunlight into its
spectral components (VIBGYOR) and then illuminated a green algae, Cladophora placed in a suspension of
aerobic bacteria.“The bacteria were used to detect the sites of O2 evolution”
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Wavelength of light (nm)
400 500 600 700
Aerobic bacteria
Cladophora
Chloroplast
Prism
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White Light
Observation :
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(i) Bacteria accumulated mainly in the region of blue and red light of the split spectrum.
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(ii) It resembles roughly the absorption spectra of chlorophyll a and b.
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Chlorophyll b
Absorbance of light by
chloroplast pigments
Carotenoids
Chlorophyll a
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(a)
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(measured by O 2 release)
Rate of photosynthesis
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A
(b)
Absorption
Light absorpbed
(c) 400 500 600 700

Wavelength of light in nanometres (nm)
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Q. Which is the most abundant plant pigment in the world ?
Ans. Chlorophyll a
Q. Determine the wavelength (colour of light) at which chlorophyll a shows the maximum absorption ?
Ans. Wavelength = approx 430 nm
Colour = Blue
Q. Can you say that there is a complete one to one overlap between the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll-a and
the action spectrum of photosynthesis.
Ans. No, there is no complete one to one overlap between the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a and the action
spectrum of photosynthesis because at certain points action is more than aborption because wavelengths not
absorbed by chlorophyll a are absorbed by accessory pigments and transferred to reaction center (chlorophyll a).
Mechanism of photosynthesis :
Photosynthesis accomplish under two stages :
(1) Light reaction (2) Dark reaction
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(1) Light reaction :
What is light reaction ?
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It is an oxidation reaction (H2O oxidised) occurs at grana of chloroplast. This reaction is also called
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photochemical phase or Hill reaction.
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Light reaction or photochemical phase includes :
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· Light absorption
· Water splitting
· Oxygen release 20
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· Formation of high-energy chemical intermediates, ATP and NADPH
Several complexes are involve in the process. The pigments are organised into two discrete photochemical
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light harvesting complexes (LHC) with in the photosystem-I (PS-I) and photosystem-II (PS-II).
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They are named in the sequence of thier discovery and not in the sequence in which they function during the
light reaction.
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The LHC are made up of hundred of pigment molecules (250-400) bound to proteins. Each photosystem
has all the pigments (except one molecule of chl-a) forming a light harvesting system also called antennae.
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The single chlorophyll-a molecule forms the reaction center. The reaction center is different in both the
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photosystem. In PS-I reaction center chlorophyll-a has an absorption peak, at 700 nm, hence is called P 700,
while in PS-II. It has absorption maximum at 680 nm, and is called P 680.
For ease of study, mechanism of light reaction is divided into two parts :
(I) Photolysis of water :
Occurs at grana i.e., lumen side of grana thylakoid membrane with the help of water splitting complex or
OEC (oxygen evolving complex). This step is associated with PS-II of Z-scheme.
Three minerals Mn ion, Ca++, Cl– are associated with splitting of water.
4H2O ¾¾¾
OEC
® 4H+ + 4OH–
OEC
4OH– ¾¾¾ ® 4e– + O2 + 2H2O
We can summarised above equation as :
OEC
2H2O ¾¾¾ ® 4H+ + O2 + 4e–
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Q. Where are the protons and O2 formed likely to be released ?
Ans. Protons or hydrogen ions that are produced by the splitting of water accumulate within the lumen of the
thylakoids while O2 released outside.
(II) Formation of high energy intermediates :

ATP and NADPH are produced through non-cyclic photophosphorylation or z-scheme.
Primary acceptor
Reaction
Photon
centre
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Pigment
molecules
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Plastocyanin : It is a copper containing blue colour protein.
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Phaeophytin : It is derived from chlorophyll a where, Mg is replaced by 2 H. Its acts as a primary electron acceptor
of Z scheme.
Emerson effect and Red drop : 20
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Emerson and Arnold experimented upon Chlorella.
Observation :
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· Reported minimum photosynthetic yield, when supplied monochromatic beam of 700 nm or > 680 nm
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only. (Red drop)

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· Reported enhancement in photosynthetic yield, when both 700 nm and 680 nm supplied together
(Enhancement effect or Emerson effect)
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Conclusion :
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Two types of photosystems (PS-I and PS-II) exist in photosynthetic units. They operate simultaneously
and their operation / activation required 700 nm and 680 nm radiation.
PS-I PS-II
Located at non-appressed parts of Usually located at appressed parts of grana

(1) (1)
grana thylakoid and stroma lamellae thylakoids.
(2) Its reaction center is P 700 (2) Its reaction center is P 680
(3) It has reducing nature (reduce NADP) (3) It has oxidizing nature (oxidise H2O)
It participates in both cyclic and non- It participates only in non-cyclic

(4) (4)
cyclic photophosphorylation photophosphorylation
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PS-I in Reaction center (P 700)

Non-appressed region
(Exposed surface) PS-I
LHP
LHC-I
Stroma Proteins
PS-II in lamellae
appressed
region Reaction center (P 680)
PS-II
LHP
LHC-II
Proteins
LHP = Light harvesting pigments

LHC = Light harvesting complex
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Photophosphorylation
ATP synthesis by cells (In mitochondrial and chloroplasts) is named phosphorylation. Photophosphorylation is
the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate in the presence of light. It is of two types (according
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to Arnon et al)
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(a) Cyclic photophosphorylation :
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When only PS-I is functional, the electron is circulated within the photosystem-I and the phosphorylation
(ATP synthesis) occurs due to cyclic flow of electrons.
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A possible location where this could be happening is in the stroma lamellae because the stroma
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lamellae membranes lack PS-II as well as NADP reductase enzyme. Cyclic photophosphorylation
also occurs when only light of wavelengths beyond 680 nm are available for excitation.
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During cyclic photophosphorylation the excited electrons does not pass on to NADP+ but is cycled back to the
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PS-I complex through the electron transport chain/system (ETS). The cyclic flow, hence, results only in the
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synthesis of ATP but not of NADPH.

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Photosystem I
*
2e– P700
A
FRS
–
e acceptor
Fd
(Stroma)
Light Cyt–b6
TP
2H+
iP A
PQ 2H+(lumen)
P+
Electron
AD
transport Cyt–f ht
system Lig
PC
2e– PS-I
Chlorophyll P700
P 700
CYCLIC PHOTOPHOSPHORYLATION
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(b) Non-cyclic photophosphorylation :
When the two photosystems (PS I and PS II) work together the process called non-cyclic photophosphorylation.
The two photosystems are connected through an electron transport chain.
This whole scheme of transfer of electrons, starting from the PS II, uphill to the acceptor, down the electron
+
transport chain to PS I, excitation of electrons, transfer to another acceptor, and finally down hill to NADP
+
reducing it to NADPH + H . It is called the Z scheme, due to its characteristic shape. This shape is formed when
all the carriers are placed in a sequence on a redox potential scale.
Z scheme was proposed by Hill and Bendall.
Redox potential :
It is the measure of the tendency of a chemical molecule to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced. It is
also called oxidation - reduction potential. It is measured in volts (v) or mili volts (mv).
Photosystem II Photosystem I
e– acceptor NADPH
Light e acceptor
–
ADP + iP ATP NADP +
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Electron
transport
system
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LHC
-2
E LHC
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– +
H 2O ® 2e + 2H + [O]
+
2H
Li
gh
t 2e
–
PQ PQH2
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Pheo
–
C PQH2 2e Cytb
PS-II OE
n
6
2H + 1 O2 &
+
–
2e 2 Cyt
io
f
+
2H 2e–
Li
H2O
gh
ss PC
–
Thylakoid + +
H H H Proton
+ 2e
FR
membrane H+H+H+H+ gradient

PS-I
Se
S
+ +
Lumen HH
A
Fd
+ +
2e
–
NADP + 2H
NADP reductase
+
Stroma NADPH + H
3H+ Chemiosmosis
ADP+Pi ATP
Quantum requirement –
The number of light Quanta or photons required for the evolution of 1 mol. of O2 in photosynthesis.
Emerson calculated that the quantum requirement is 8.
Quantum Yield –
The number of oxygen molecule evolved by one quantum of light in photosynthesis is called as Quantum
yield. Hence the quantum yield is 0.125 or 12.5%
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Chemiosmotic hypothesis
This hypothesis has been put foward by Peter Mitchell to explain the mechanism of ATP synthesis in respiration
(oxidative phosphorylation) and in photosynthesis (Photophosphorylation).
This hypothesis (ATP synthesis) based / linked to development of a proton gradient across a membrane.
Chemiosmosis
Photophosphorylation Oxidative phosphorylation
Membranes through which proton Membrane through which proton graident

(1) graident develop, are the membranes (1) develop, is the inner membrane of
of thylakoid mitochondria
Protons accumulate towards the inner

Protons accumulate towards the outerside of the
(2) side of the membrane, i.e., in the (2)
membrane i.e., in the intermembrane space.
lumen.
Light energy is utilised for the
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Energy of oxidation reduction utilised for the
(3) production of proton gradient required (3)
same process.
for phosphorylation
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Mechanism for development of proton gradient :
Steps that cause a proton gradient to develop :
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(a) Since splitting of the water molecule takes place on the inner side of the thylakoid membrane, the
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protons or hydrogen ions that are produced by the splitting of water accumulate within the lumen of
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the thylakoids.
(b) As electrons move through the photosystems, protons are transported across the membrane. This
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happens because the primary acceptor of electron (Phaeophytin) which is located towards the outer side
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of the membrane transfers its electron not to an electron carrier but to an H carrier (Plastoquinone).
Hence, this molecule (plastoquinone) removes a proton from the stroma while transporting
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an electron. When this molecule passes on its electron to the electron carrier (Cytochrome f) on the
inner side of the membrane, the proton is released into the inner side or the lumen side of the membrane.
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(c) The NADP reductase enzyme is located on the stroma side of the membrane. Alongwith electrons
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+
that come from the acceptor of electrons of PS-I, protons are necessary for the reduction of NADP to
+
NADPH+ H . These protons are also removed from the stroma.
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Hence, within the chloroplast, proton in the stroma decrease in number, while in the lumen there is
accumulation of protons. This create a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane as well as a
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measurable decrease in pH in the lumen.

Significance of proton gradient :
This gradient is important because it is the breakdown of this gradient that leads to synthesis of
ATP. The gradient is broken down due to the movement of protons across the membrane to the stroma through
the transmembrane channel of the CF0 of the ATP synthase.
ATP synthase enzyme Machinary :
The ATP synthase enzyme consists of two parts :
(a) CF0 : It is embedded in the membrane and forms a transmembrane channel that carries out facilitated diffusion
of protons across the membrane.
(b) CF1 : It is protrude on the outer surface of the thylakoid membrane on the side that faces the stroma.
Requirements of chemiosmosis :
(i) A membrane (ii) A proton pump (iii) A proton gradient (iv) ATP synthase enzyme
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Mechanism of ATP synthase action :
· The breakdown of the proton gradient provides enough energy to cause a conformational change in the CF1
particle of the ATP synthase, which makes the enzymes synthesize several molecules of energy packed ATP.
· Radiation or light energy is used to pump protons across a membrane, to create a gradient or high
concentration of protons within the thylakoid lumen.
+
NADP + H
+
NADPH
+
Stroma (low H )
H
+
Light FNR
Light Cytochrome Fd
B6f
P700
P680 PQ
PQH 2 PS-I
PS-II PC
inone
Plastoqu
H
+
Plastocyanin
H2O ½ O2 + H +
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Oxidation
of water H
+
+
H+ H
High
0
Lumen
Electrochemical H
+ +
(high H )
-2
Potential
CF0
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Thylakoid Gradient
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membrane
Stroma Low ATP

synthase CF1 20
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ADP + Pi
H
+
ATP
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ATP synthesis through chemiosmosis
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BEGINNER'S BOX-1
1. The electrons, that are removed from photosystem-II and photosystem-I during z-scheme, must be replaced.
ss
This is achieved by electrons available respectively :-

(1) By photosystem-I and NADP+ (2) By splitting of water and NADPH
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(3) By ATP and photosystem-II (4) By splitting of water and photosystem-II

A
2. The reaction centres of photosystem-II and photosystem-I have absorption peak respectively at :-
(1) 700 nm and 680 nm (2) 430 nm and 680 nm
(3) 700 nm and 430 nm (4) 680 nm and 700 nm

3. Which of the following, regarding naming of photosystems, is correct ?
(1) Photosystem with reaction centre P680 work after P700 containing photosystem so it is called PS-II
(2) Photosystem with reaction centre P700 starts the photosynthesis so it is called PS-I
(3) Photosystem with reaction centre P680 was discovered after P700 containing photosystem so it is called PS-II
(4) Photosystem with reaction centre P700 absorb high wavelengths of light so it is called PS-I
4. Process of photosynthesis that occur in the stroma lamellae membranes, lack :-
(1) Photosystem-I (2) Electron transport system
(3) NADP reductase enzyme (4) ATP synthase
E 77
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5. Regarding photosynthesis, Jan Ingenhousz established the essentiality of sunlight and green colour respectively
by using :-
(1) Bell jar setup and an aquatic plant (2) An aquatic plant and radioisotopic technique
(3) Cladophora algae and purple sulphur bacteria (4) Bell jar setup and green sulphur bacteria
Where are the ATP and NADPH used (Dark reaction)

(2) Dark reaction :
The products of light reaction are ATP, NADPH and O2. Of these O2 diffuses out of the chloroplast while
ATP and NADPH are used to drive the process leading to synthesis of food, (more accurately sugars)
This is biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis. This process does not directly depend on the presence of light
but is dependent on the product of the light reaction i.e, ATP and NADPH, besides CO 2 and H2O.
Q. Does the term dark reaction for biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis, is a misnomer ?
Ans. Yes, dark reaction term is a misnomer because this reaction not occurs in dark. Instead this reaction is dependent
on the product of the light reaction i.e, ATP and NADPH, so dark reaction process also occurs in presence of
N
light.
Dark reaction occurs at fluid of stroma and also called Blackman’s reaction or Biosynthetic phase. It is
a reductive step (CO2 reduced) of photosynthesis. Dark reaction operates in different photosynthetic organisms
0
through three different ways :
-2
[A] C3 pathway
E [B] C4 pathway [C] CAM pathway
C3 pathway consists of only C3 cycle or Calvin cycle while C4 pathway and CAM pathway consists of both
19
C3 cycle and C4 cycle. Therefore, Calvin cycle occurs in all photosynthetic plants ; it does not matter wheather
they have C3 or C4 (or any other) pathways.
[A] The Calvin cycle : 20
LL
The use of radioisotope 14C by Calvin in alga (Chlorella) photosynthesis studies led to the discovery that the
first CO 2 fixation product is a 3 carbon organic acid called 3 phosphoglyceric acid or in short
n
3 PGA. It has a 3 carbons thus cycle named C3 cycle.
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Melvin Calvin and his co-workers then worked out the whole pathway and showed that the pathway operated
in cyclic manner ; the RUBP was regenerated.
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Calvin cycle can be described under three stages :

(1) Carboxylation (2) Reduction (3) Regeneration
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(1) Carboxylation :
A
It is the most crucial step (because RuBisCO has dual nature and this step will determines wheather Calvin
cycle run or photorespiration). In this step CO2 is utilised for the carboxylation of RUBP. This reaction is catalysed
by the enzyme RuBisCO which results in the formation of two molecules of 3-PGA.
RuBisCO
· Its full name is Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase enzyme, Its former name was
carboxydismutase.
· RuBisCO is considered as a most abundant protein on the earth.
· It has dual nature, thus capable to bind with CO 2 (carboxylase) as well as O2 (oxygenase). Although the enzyme
has more affinity with CO2.
· Binding of CO2 or O2 is competitive with active site. It is the relative concentration of O 2 and CO2 in the stroma
of chloroplast that determines which of the two will bind to the enzymes.
78 E
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· Mg and Red light are necessary for activation of enzyme RuBisCO.
RuBisCO
RUBP + CO2 2-carboxy 3-keto arabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate 3 PGA
(6C) (1 mol) (3C) (2 mol)
[Intermediate]
Atmosphere
(RuBP)
CO2 + H2O
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate
(5C)
Carboxylation
1
ADP
2 × 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
Regeneration Calvin - Cycle
N
3 (3C)
2ATP + 2NADPH + 2H+
0
ATP
2 Reduction
-2
E 2 × (3-PGAL)
19
Triose 2ADP + 2Pi + 2NADP+
phosphate (3C)
Glucose
Sucrose, Starch 20
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(2) Reduction :
These are a series of reactions that lead to the formation of glucose. (glycolytic reversal)
n
The fixation of six molecules of CO2 and for this fixation 6 turns of the Calvin cycle are required for
removal of one molecule of glucose from the pathway.
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(3) Regeneration :
Regeneration of the CO2 acceptor molecule RUBP is crucial if the cycle is to continue uninterrupted.
ss
Steps of Calvin cycle Number of ATP and NADPH required per CO2
Se
Carboxylation Zero ATP and Zero NADPH + H+

A
Reduction Two ATP and two NADPH + H+
Regeneration One ATP and Zero NADPH + H+

Hence for every CO2 molecule entering the Calvin cycle, 3 molecules of ATP and 2 of NADPH are
required.
Input Output
6 CO2 C6H12O6
18 ATP 18 ADP
12 NADPH 12 NADP+
E 79
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[B] The C4 pathway or Hatch and Slack pathway :
Plants that are adapted to dry tropical regions have the C4 pathway. Such plants are called C4 plants.
C4 plants : Sugarcane, Maize, Sorghum, Amaranthus, Salsola, Atriplex etc.
Special features of C4 plants :
(i) They have a special type of leaf anatomy i.e., Kranz anatomy.
(ii) They tolerates higher temperatures.
Reason : Pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) a low temperature sensitive enzyme of C4. Thus, C4 plants
show poor rate of photosynthesis at low temperature.
(iii) They show a response to high light intensities.
(iv) They lack of process called photorespiration. Thus, they have a greater productivity of biomass.
(v) The evolution of the C4 photosynthetic system is probably one of the strategy for maximising the availability of
CO2 while minimising water loss. C4 plants are twice as efficient as C3 plants in terms of fixing carbon
N
(making sugar). C4 plants loses only half as much water as a C3 plant for the same amount of CO 2 fixed.
Features of Kranz Anatomy :
(i) Mesophyll is not differentiated into palisade and spongy tissue.
0
(ii) Cells of bundle sheath arranged in concentric rings around vascular bundle. (Wreath manner)
-2
(iii) Cells of mesophyll and bundle sheath are interconnected by plasmodesmata.
E
19
(iv) Bundle sheath cells may form several layers around the vascular bundle ; they are characterised by :
(a) Having a large number of chloroplast
(b) Thick walls impervious to gaseous exchange 20
LL
(c) No intercellular spaces.
C4 plants are also characterised by Dimorphic chloroplast.
n
(a) Chloroplasts of mesophyll cells are small in size and granal (with grana)
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(b) Chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells are large in size and agranal (without grana)
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Mechanism of C4 pathway :
· This pathway that has been named the Hatch and Slack pathway, is again a cyclic process.
Se
· The primary CO 2 acceptor is a 3-carbon molecule phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) and is present in the mesophyll
A
cells. The enzyme responsible for this fixation is PEP carboxylase or PEPcase. It is important to register that
the mesophyll cells in C4 plants lack RuBisCO enzyme. The C4 acid OAA is formed in the mesophyll cells.
· It then forms other 4-carbon compounds like malic acid or aspartic acid in the mesophyll cells itself, which
are transported to bundle sheath cells. In bundle sheath cells these C4 acids are broken down to release CO2 and
3-carbon molecule (pyruvic acid)
· The 3-carbon molecule is transported back to the mesophyll where it is converted to PEP again, thus completing
the cycle.
· The CO2 released in the bundle sheath cells enters the C3 or the Calvin cycle (a cycle common to all plants)
· The bundle sheath cells in C4 plants are rich in an enzyme RuBisCO, but lack PEPcase.
· Thus the basic pathway that results in the formation of sugars (Calvin cycle), is common to the C3 and C4 plants.
80 E
ALLEN
Diagrammatic representation of the Hatch and Slack Pathway
Atmospheric CO2
Mesophyll Plasma membrane

cell
Cell wall
–
HCO3 Phosphoenolpyruvate
(PEP) (3C)
Fixation 2ATP
OAA (C4 acid)

Regeneration
N
NADPH NADP
Plasmodesmata Malic/Aspartic acid(C4 acid) Pyruvic acid (C3 acid)
0
Transport
-2
Bundle
E sheath
cell
19
Transport
Malic/Aspartic acid
(C4 acid)
Fixation by
Calvin cycle
20
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NADPH CO2
n
Decarboxylation Pyruvic acid (C3 acid)
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NADP
ss
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A
Input Output
6 CO2 C6H12O6
30 ATP 30 ADP + 30 iP
12 NADPH 12 NADP
Photosynthesis in C4 plants is relatively less limited by atmospheric CO2 levels because CO2 effectively pumped
into bundle sheath cells. Therefore,
(a) Little or no chance of photorespiration.
(b) CO2 is not a limiting factor for C4 plants.
E 81
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CAM Pathway :
· CAM pathway (Crassulacean acid metabolism) was discovered by Oleary and Rouhani.
· They observed that CO2 fixation occurs during night in members of Crassulaceae family (succulent xerophytes).
Succulents or CAM plants are characterised by scotoactive stomata (stomata open during night and remain
closed during day time)
CAM Plants :
Kalanchoe, Bryophyllum, Opuntia, Agave, Aloe, Euphorbia, Pineapple, Welwitschia (Gymnosperm)
· These plants are adapted to water conservation.
· Primary acceptor of CO2 is PEP and OAA is the first product.
· PEPcase and RuBisCO both are present in mesophyll cells.
CAM Pathway
N
Mesophyll cell
CO2
CO2 H2O
0
Stomata open Stomata closed
-2
E
19
CO2 H2O H2O
ATP AMP + ppi 20

OAA (4C) HCO3– PEP
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PPDK (3C)
Pi PEP PEP (3C)
case Pyruvate (3C)
n
NADH + H
+
CO2
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+ Starch
+ NADPH + H
NAD
Calvin
ss
+
NADP cycle
Malate /Malic acid (4C) Malate /Malic acid (4C)
Chloroplast Chloroplast
Se
A
Malic acid Malic acid

Vacuole Vacuole
During night (Acidification) During day (Deacidification)
82 E
ALLEN
Photorespiration
· It is also called PCO (photosynthetic carbon oxidation)
2,O 2
cycle or C2-cycle or glycolate metabolism.
2,RuBP 2,PGA + 2,Phosphoglycolate
· This cycle was discovered by Decker and Tio in tobacco (3C) (2C)
Chloroplast
C3 cycle 2Pi
(a C3 plant)
PGA
ADP 2,Glycolate(2C)
· Photorespiration is a wasteful process because there is Glycerate
ATP
neither synthesis of sugars nor of ATP and NADPH. Rather

it results in the release of CO2 with the utilisation of ATP. Glycerate 2,Glycolate
NAD+
+2,O2
Peroxisome
NADH
· Approximately 25% carbon is lost during this process. Hydroxy pyruvate 2,Glyoxylate+2H2O2
· Photorespiration is a characteristic of C3 plants. NH2 +2,NH2
· Three cell organelles are required to complete a turn of PCO Serine (3C) 2,Glycine
cycle, namely ; chloroplast, peroxisome and
N
mitochondria. Serine (3C) 2mol. Glycine (2C)
Mitochondrion
Conditions favour photorespiration : NH2
0
CO2
(a) High light intensities : It is considered as main condition NADH NAD+
-2
for photorespiration. This leads to following two conditions
(b & c).E Photorespiration/Photosynthetic carbon oxidation cycle.
19
(b) Higher concentration of O2 and lower concentration of CO2
inside mesophyll cells. (under such condition RuBisCO
binds with O2 and acts as an oxygenase enzyme)
(c) High temperatures.
20
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Warburg effect :
The Warburg's effect is the decrease in the rate of photosynthesis by high oxygen concentrations. Oxygen
n
is a competitive inhibitor of the carbondioxide fixation by RuBisCO. Furthermore, oxygen promotes
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photorespiration which reduces photosynthetic output.

ss
Bacterial Photosynthesis Plant Photosynthesis

Se
Pigment containing structures are Pigment containing structures are

(1) (1)
A
chromatophores. thylakoids inside chloroplasts
Pigments are bacteriochlorophyll and Pigments are chlorophylls and

(2) (2)
bacterioviridin carotenoids
Its oxygenic because PS II is present

Its anoxygenic because PS II is absent.
(3) (3) which can photolyse the H2O.
(O2 evolution is absent).
(O2 evolved)
Ony one pigment system is present Two pigments system PS-I (P 700) and
(4) (4)
whose photocenter is B-890 (PS-II absent) PS-II (P 680) are present.
(5) Action spectrum is infra red. (5) Action spectrum is blue-red
During light reaction NAD+ being reduced During light reaction NADP+ being
(6) (6)
to NADH reduced to NADPH.
E 83
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Characteristics C3 Plants C4 Plants Choose from
Cell type in which the Calvin Mesophyll Bundle sheath Mesophyll/Bundle sheath/both
cycle takes place
Cell type in which the initial Mesophyll Mesophyll Mesophyll/Bundle sheath /both
carboxylation reaction occurs
How many cell types does the One Two One: Mesophyll
leaf have that fix CO2 ? Two: Bundle sheath and
mesophyll. Three: Bundle sheath,

palisade, spongy mesophyll
Which is the primary CO2 acceptor? RuBP PEP RuBP/PEP/PGA

Number of carbons in the 5 3 5/4/3
primary CO2 acceptor
N
Which is the primary CO2 PGA OAA PGA/OAA/RuBP/PEP
fixation product ?
0
No. of carbons in the primary 3 4 3/4/5
-2
CO2 fixation product
E
Does the plant have RuBisCO? Yes Yes Yes/No/Not always
19
Does the plant have PEP Case? Yes Yes Yes/No/Not always
Which cells in the plant have Mesophyll Bundle sheath Mesophyll/Bundle sheath/none
Rubisco?
20
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CO2 fixation rate under high Medium High Low/ high/ medium
n
light conditions
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Whether photorespiration is Negligible Negligible High/negligible/sometimes

ss
present at low light intensities ?

Whether photorespiration is High Negligible High/negligible/sometimes
Se
present at high light intensities ?

A
Whether photorespiration would be High Negligible High/negligible/sometimes

present at low CO2 concentrations ?
Whether photorespiration would be Negligible Negligible High/negligible/sometimes

present at high CO2 concentrations ?
Temperature optimum 20-25°C 30-40°C 30-40 C/20-25C/above 40 C
Examples Wheat Maize

Rice Sugarcane
Sorghum
84 E
ALLEN
Factors affecting photosynthesis :
The rate of photosynthesis is very important in determining the yield of plants including crop plants.
Photosynthesis is under the influence of several factors.Both internal (plant) and external.
(A) Plant factors :
Plant or internal factors are depends on the genetic predisposition and the growth of the plant.
(1) Number of leaves :
Rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to number of leaves.
(2) Size of leaves :
Rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to size of leaves.
(3) Orientation of leaves :
Orientation of leaf must be in such a way which favour optimum light absorption.
(4) Mesophyll :
For optimum rate of photosynthesis the mesophyll (cortex of leaf) should be well developed.
N
(5) Number of chloroplast :
Rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to number of chloroplast.
(6) Amount of chlorophyll :
0
Rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to chlorophyll amount.
-2
(7) Age of leaves :
E
Until leaf attain maturity the rate of photosynthesis increases but alongwith senescence its decreases.
19
(8) Internal CO2 concentration :
Upto a limit the rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to internal CO2 concentration.
(B) External factors :
20
LL
The external factors would include :
(1) Sunlight
n
(2) Temperature
io
(3) Atmospheric CO2 concentration

ss
(4) Water
As a plant photosynthesises, all these factors will simultaneously affect its rate. Hence, though several
Se
factors interact and simultaneously affect its rate but usually one factor is the major cause or is the one that
limits the rate. (Limiting factor)
A
Law of limiting factor : This law was proposed by Blackman, (1905)

“If a chemical process is affected by more than one factor then its rate will be determined by the
factor which is at suboptimal level or nearest to its minimal value ; It is the factor which directly
affects the process if its quantity is changed.”
(1) Light :
Light affect photosynthesis by three different ways :
(i) Light quality (ii) Light intensity (iii) Duration of exposure of light
(i) Light quality :
Plant capture and utilize sunlight ranging from 400 to 700 nm. This range of incident sunlight termed as
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). PAR has spectral components i.e. VIBGYOR. Most effective spectral
components are blue and red while least effective is green.
E 85
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(ii) Light intensity :
· There is a linear relationship between incident light and CO2 fixation rates at low light intensities
because in this condition light become the limiting factor.
· At higher light intensities, gradually the rate does not show further increase as other factors become
limiting.
· Rate of photosynthesis saturates at 10 percent of the full sunlight. At very high light intensity
solarisation may occur.
Solarisation includes :
(a) Photo oxidation of pigments, enzymes and photosynthetic carbon (RUBP)
(b) Photoinhibition (Reduction in hydration)
Intensity of light, at which rate of photosynthesis, becomes equal (or compensate) with the rate of respiration
in plants is known as light compensation point. (Net photosynthesis or NPP at this point is zero and no
N
gaseous exchange between plant and atmosphere).
0
-2
E
19
B C
E
A
20
LL
n
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D
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Light intensity
Above graph showing the effect of light on the rate of photosynthesis. Based on the graph,
Se
answer the following questions :

A
Q. At which point/s (A, B or C) in the curve is light a limiting factor ?
Ans. A
Q. What could be the limiting factor/s in region A ?

Ans. Light
Q. What do C and D represent on the curve ?
Ans. C is the point where rate of photosynthesis does not show further increase as other factor become limiting.
D is the point where light saturation occurs.
(iii) Light duration :

Duration of light never affects rate of photosynthesis. (If quality/wavelength and intensity of light are constant).
Note : Plants photosynthesise optimumly in intermittent light.
86 E
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Although light is a rare limiting factor but under following circumstances light acts as a limiting factor :
· Plants in shade
· In dense forest
· Cloudy sky
· Alongwith depth in a water body.
(2) Carbon dioxide concentration :
· Carbon-di-oxide is the major limiting factor for photosynthesis. The concentration of CO2 is very low in
the atmosphere i.e., 0.03 to 0.04 percent or 300 to 400 PPM.
· C4 plants show saturation at about 360 ml L–1 while C3 responds to increased CO2 concentration and saturation
is seen only beyond 450 ml L–1. Thus, current availability of CO2 level (0.03 to 0.04%) is limiting to the C3
plants.
· Increased in CO2 concentration upto 0.05% can cause an increase in CO2 fixation rates but beyond this the
levels can become damage in over longer periods. (Green house effect).
Green house crops/C3 plants such as tomatoes and bell pepper show higher photosynthetic rates under CO2
N
enriched atmosphere that leads to higher yield. This phenomenon is called CO2 fertilizing effect.
CO2 compensation point : It is the point where rate of photosynthesis become equal to the rate of respiration
0
(NPP is zero).
CO2 compensation point for C4 plants is 0-10 ppm.
-2
CO2 compensation point for C3 plants is 25-100 ppm.
E
19
(3) Temperature :
· The dark reaction being enzymatic, is temperature controlled. Though the light reaction is also temperature
sensitive but they are affected to a much lesser extent. 20
LL
· The C4 plants respond to higher temperature (30 – 40°C) and show higher rate of photosynthesis while C3
plants have a much lower temperature optimum (20 – 25°C)
n
· Optimum temperatures also depends on the habitat. Tropical plants have a higher temperature optimum
io
than the plants adapated to temperate climates.

(4) Water :
ss
Water is one of the reactant in the light reaction, the effect of water as a factor is more through its effect on the
plant, rather than directly on photosynthesis.
Se
Stomata Reducing Decrease in

A
to close the CO2 photosynthesis

Water availability
stress
Wilting Reducing Decrease in

of leaves the surface photosynthesis
area of
leaves
Inhibitors :
They are used as weedicides or herbicides.
· DCMU (Dichlorophenyl Dimethyl urea) / Diuron, CMU / Monouron and PAN (peroxy acetyl nitrates) inhibit
photosynthesis by blocking PS-II as they stop electron flow between P 680 and PQ.
· Diquat, Paraquat, (viologen dyes) inhibit cyclic photophosphorylation by blocking electron flow between P 700
and Fd.
E 87
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BEGINNER'S BOX-2
1. In Calvin cycle for the fixation of 5molecules of CO2, how many ATP and NADPH are required in reduction
step?
(1) 18 ATP and 12 NADPH (2) 15 ATP and 10 NADPH
(3) 10 ATP and 10 NADPH (4) 3 ATP and 2 NADPH
2. Dark reactions of photosynthesis :-
(1) Occur in darkness
(2) Are not light dependent
(3) Are not directly light driven but are dependent on light
(4) Occur in both presence of light and in darkness
3. There is a linear relationship between light and CO2 fixation rates at ............. intensities. At ............. intensities
the rate does not show further increase as other factors become limiting.
Choose the correct terms for blanks respectively–
N
(1) high light, low light (2) low light, low light
(3) high light, high light (4) low light, high light
0
4. In photorespiration -
-2
(1) Neither sugar nor ATP is synthesised (2) Sugar is synthesised
E
(3) ATP is synthesised but not sugar (4) Both ATP and sugar are synthesised
19
5. In the biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis the first CO2 fixation product is a 3-carbon organic acid. This fact
was discovered by Melvin Calvin :-
(1) By the use of O18 in bacterial photosynthesis

20
LL
(2) By the use of 14C in the photosynthesis of C3 angiosperm plant
n
(3) By the use of N15 in the photosynthesis of maize plant
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(4) By the use of 14C in the algal photosynthesis

ss
Se
A
ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5
BEGINNER'S BOX-1
Ans. 4 4 3 3 1
Que. 1 2 3 4 5
BEGINNER'S BOX-2
Ans. 3 3 4 1 4
88 E
ALLEN
EXERCISE-I (Conceptual Questions) Build Up Your Understanding
PHOTOSYNTHE SIS INTRODUCTION AND 9. The path of CO 2 in the dark reactions of

EARLY EXPERIMENTS photosynthesis was sucessfully traced by the use of
1. Oxygen which is liberated during photosynthesis the following :–
14
comes from - (1) O218 (2) C O2
(1) Carbon di oxide (2) Water (3) P32 (4) X - rays
(3) Chlorophyll (4) Phosphoglyceric acid
10. Discovery of Emerson effect has already shown the
2. In which of the following process, the light energy existence of :–
is converted into chemical energy? (1) Two distinct photosystems
(1) Digestive action (2) Respiration (2) Light and dark reactions of photosynthesis
(3) Photosynthesis (4) Fermentation (3) Photophosphorylation
(4) Photorespiration
3. During photosynthesis the oxygen in glucose comes
from 11. Name the scientist, who first pointed out that plants
N
(1) Water purify foul air by bell jar experiment?
(2) Carbon di oxide (1) Willstatter (2) Robert Hooke
(3) O2 in air (3) Priestley (4) Jean Senebier
0
(4) Both from water and CO2
12. Of the total amount of water absorbed by the plant, its
-2
4. The law of limiting factor for photosynthesis was actual percentage used during photosynthesis is :–
E
given by :– (1) 50% (2) 90%
19
(1) R. Hill (2) Krebs (3) 1% (4) 25%
(3) Calvin (4) Blackman
13. Moll's half leaf experiment explains that
5. The percentage of light energy utilized by higher
plants, in the process of photosynthesis is
20
(1) Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis
(2) Chlorophyll and water are necessary for
LL
(1) 100% (2) 10% (3) 50% (4) 1-2% photosynthesis
(3) Light and water are essential for photosynthesis
n
6. If the CO2 content of the atmosphere is as high as
(4) All the above are correct
io
300 parts per million -

(1) All plants would be killed 14. Oxygen during photosynthesis comes from water
ss
(2) The plants would not grow properly was proved with the help of O18 experiment by:-
(3) Plants would grow for some time and then die. (1) Ruben and Kamen (2) Hill
(4) The plants would thrive well (3) Warburg (4) Blackman
Se
A
7. The isotope of carbon used extensively for studies 15. Name of the scientist who pointed out the
in photosynthesis :– importance of different wavelengths of light using
(1) C13 (2) C14 (3) C15 (4) C16 a green algae and aerobic bacteria :–
Z:\NODE02\B0AI-B0\TARGET\BIO\ENG\MODULE_6\01-PLANT_PHYSIOLOGY\04-PHOTO-XE.P65
(1) Priestley (2) Ingen-Housz

8. Which is the evidence to show that oxygen released (3) K.V. Thimann (4) Englemann
in photosynthesis comes from water ?
(1) Isotopic oxygen (O18) supplied as H2O appears 16. Photosynthesis in C4 plants is relatively less limited
in the O2 released in photosynthesis. by atmospheric CO2 levels because :
(2) Activated chloroplast in water released O2 if (1) Four carbon acids are the primary initial CO2
supplied potassium ferrocyanide or some other fixation products
oxidising agent in the absence of CO2. (2) The primary fixation of CO2 is mediated via
(3) Photosynthetic bacteria use H2S and CO2 to PEP carboxylase
make carbohydrates, H2O and sulphur. (3) Effective pumping of CO2 into bundlesheath cells
(4) All of the above. (4) Rubisco in C4 plants has higher affinity for CO2
E 89
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17. Photosynthesis is 26. Chlorophyll is present :–
(1) Oxidative, exergonic, catabolic (1) In the grana of chloroplasts
(2) Redox-reaction, endergonic, anabolic (2) On the surface of chloroplasts
(3) Reductive, exergonic, anabolic (3) Dispersed through out the chloroplasts
(4) Reductive, endergonic, catabolic (4) In the stroma of chloroplasts
18. The significance of light & chlorophyll in 27. Which colour of light gives maximum absorption
photosynthesis was discovered by peak by chlorophyll 'a' ?
(1) Priestley (2) Ingenhousz (1) Blue light (2) Green light
(3) Englemann (4) Blackman (3) Violet light (4) Red light
19. Wavelength of light responsible for Emerson's 28. Presence of carotenes in chloroplast helps in
enhancement effect :– (1) ATP synthesis
(1) only 680 nm (2) Transferring radiant energy into chemical
(2) only 680 nm¯ energy
(3) infra red wavelength (3) Protecting chlorophyll molecules from
N
(4) Both 680 nm and 680 nm¯ photooxidation
(4) Absorption of longer wavelength of light
PHOTOSYNTHETIC APPARATUS, PIGMENTS &
0
29. The formula of chlorophyll 'a' is
PIGMENT SYSTEMS (1) C35H72O5N4 Mg (2) C55H70O3N4 Mg
-2
E (3) C55H72O5N4 Mg (4) C51H70O6N4 Mg
20. The process of photo-phosphorylation take place
19
in :- 30. The number of pigment molecules in quantasome is:
(1) Chloroplast (2) Ribosomes (1) 250 - 400 (2) 300 - 900
(3) Mitochondria (4) Cell-wall (3) 500 - 600 (4) 50 -100
21. PS I occurs in :- 31.

20
LL
The main difference between chlorophyll 'a' and 'b'
(1) Appressed part of granal thylakoids is:
n
(2) Appressed and non appressed part of grana (1) Chlorophyll 'a' is a linear chain compound and
thylakoids 'b' is branched chain
io
(3) Stroma (2) Chlorophyll 'a' has no Mg+ ion in center of

(4) Stroma thylakoids and non-appressed part of
ss
molecule
grana thylakoids. (3) In chlorophyll 'a' there is –CH3 group whereas
in 'b' it is –CHO group
Se
22. Which one of the following pigment does not occur

(4) All of the above
in the chloroplast?
A
(1) Carotene (2) Xanthophyll 32. Chlorophyll 'a' is found in

(3) Chlorophyll 'b' (4) Anthocyanin (1) All O2 releasing photosynthetic forms
(2) Only higher plants.

23. Chlorophyll contains :-
(3) Higher plants that photosynthesize
(1) Fe (2) Mg
(4) All photosynthetic eukaryotes.
(3) K (4) Mn
33. In pigment system -I, reaction centre is :-
24. Which pigment is water soluble?
(1) P-600 (2) P-680
(1) Chlorophyll (2) Carotene
(3) P-700 (4) P-720
(3) Anthocyanin (4) Xanthophyll
34. Basic structure of all chlorophyll comprises of :-
25. The site for dark reaction of photosynthesis is :-
(1) Cytochrome system (2) Flavoproteins
(1) Stroma (2) Grana
(3) Porphyrin system (4) Plastocyanin
(3) Intergrana (4) Mitochondria
90 E
ALLEN
35. What is the by product of bacterial photosynthesis? 44. The gain of light reaction is :-
(1) O2 (2) CO2 (1) ATP & NADPH(H+) (2) NADPH(H+) & glucose
(3) S (4) H2S (3) Only ATP (4) O2 & glucose
36. In chlorophyll molecule "Mg" is situated in 45. Algae and other submerged plants bount in water
(1) Centre of porphyrin ring during day time and sink at night, because
(2) Corner of porphyrin (3) In phytol tail (1) They come up to receive O 2
(4) In isocyclic ring (2) They lose weight at night
(3) They become bouyant due to accumulation of
37. The photosynthetic pigment "chlorophylls" are
O2 as a result of photosynthesis
soluble in
(4) They become light due to food material
(1) Water
accumulation
(2) Inorganic solvent
(3) Organic solvent 46. Which one of the following concerns with
(4) Water & organic solvent photophosphorylation :-
(1) ADP + AMP ¾¾¾¾¾
Lightenergy
® ATP
¾
38. Which of the following chlorophyll is lack of phytol-
N
tail? (2) ADP + Inorganic PO4 ¾¾¾¾¾
Lightenergy
® ATP
¾
(1) Chl'a' (2) Chl.'b'
(3) ADP + Inorganic PO 4 ¾¾¾¾® ATP
0
(3) Chl.'c' (4) Chl.'e'
(4) AMP + Inorganic PO 4 ¾¾¾¾® ATP
-2
39. Which of the following protein is most abundant
E 47. The function of ATP in photosynthesis is the
on the earth?
transfer of energy from the
19
(1) Catalase (2) Rubisco
(1) Dark reaction to the light reaction
(3) Amylase (4) None of these
(2) Light reaction to the dark reaction
40. Universal photosynthetic chlorophyll is 20
(3) Chloroplasts to mitochondria
LL
(1) Chl-'a' (2) Chl 'b' (4) Mitochondria to chloroplasts
(3) Chl - 'c' (4) Chl - 'e'
48. In photosynthesis, hydrogen is transferred from the
n
41. Which of the following is the site of photolysis of light reactions to dark reactions by :–
io
water ? (1) DPN (2) DNA

(1) Stroma of chloroplast (3) ATP (4) NADP
ss
(2) Cristae of chloroplast

49. During photochemical reaction of photosynthesis –
(3) Ribosome of chloroplast
(1) liberation of O2 takes place
Se
(4) Lumen surface of thylakoid membrane

(2) Formation of ATP and NADPH2 take place
A
42. Which one of the following is precursor of (3) Liberation of O 2, formation of ATP, and
protochlorophyll? NADPH2 takes place
(1) Acetyl COA (2) Succinyl COA
(4) Assimilation of CO2 takes place

(3) Oxlaoacetic acid (4) a-ketoglutarate
50. ADP + iP = ATP in grana is called :–
LIGHT REACTIONS OR (1) Phosphorylation
PHOTOPHOSPHORYLATION (2) Oxidative phosphorylation
43. The first step in photosynthesis is (3) Photophosphorylation
(4) Photolysis
(1) Joining of three carbon atoms to from glucose
(2) Formation of ATP 51. Which of the following is excited molecule during
(3) Ionization of water photosynthesis :–
(4) Excitement of an electron of chlorophyll by a (1) Chlorophyll (2) Oxygen
photon of light. (3) Carbondioxide (4) Water
E 91
ALLEN
52. NADPH(H+) is also called 62. The electron ejected by P680 in light reaction is
(1) Real power initially accepted by
(2) Oxidising agent (1) Plastoquinone (2) ATP
(3) Power house of energy (3) Ferredoxin (4) P-700
(4) Reducing power
63. Which element are presents in OEC (Oxygen
53. During splitting of H2O, H is ultimately captured
+
evolving complex)
by (1) Mn++ (2) Cl–
(1) Chlorophyll (2) NADP (3) Ca++ (4) All
(3) O2 (4) Cytochrome
64. Which one is Cu++ containing protein complex :-
54. At the time of splitting of H2O, which initially (1) Ferridoxin (2) Plastocyanin
captures the electron (3) Plastoquinone (4) Cytochrome
(1) Chlorophyll (2) NADP
65. Only pigment system-I is concerned with
(3) OH –
(4) Cytochrome
(1) Photolysis of H2O
55. In cyclic photophosphorylation which one of the (2) Cyclic photophosphorylation
N
following is formed (3) Non-cyclic photophosphorylation
(1) NADP & ATP (4) Oxidative phosphorylation
0
(2) ATP
66. The first electron carrier molecule for e– excited
(3) NADH + H+ and O2
-2
from P700 is
(4) NADPH + H+, ATP and O2
E (1) Cytochrome
19
56. Fixation of 1 CO2 requires :– (2) Cu protein/Plastocyanin
(1) 6NADPH(H+) & 3ATP (3) FeS protein/Ferredoxin
(2) 2NADPH(H+) & 3ATP (4) Fe-Mg protein
(3) 4NADPH(H+) & 3ATP
67.
20
LL
Pigment system–II occurs in
(4) 5NADPH(H+) & 3ATP
(1) Grana (2) Stroma
n
57. Photooxidation of water in photosynthesis is in (3) Matrix (4) Oxysomes
association of
io
68. During photosynthesis

(1) Cytochrome b6 (2) Pigment system - I
(1) Water is reduced & CO2 is oxidized
ss
(3) Pigment system - II (4) Plastocyanin

(2) CO2 is reduced & water is oxidized
58. During ATP synthesis electron pass through (3) Both CO2 & water get reduced
Se
(1) Water (2) Cytochromes (4) Both CO2 & water get oxidized
A
(3) O2 (4) CO2

69. Connecting link between light phase and dark
59. Which pigment system immediately donates e for
–
phase of photosynthesis.
the reduction of NADP. (1) Only ATP (2) Only NADPH(H+)
(1) PS II (2) PS I (3) Only NADH + H+ (4) ATP & NADPH(H+)

(3) CO2 (4) Plastoquinone
70. Which photosynthetic pigment converts nascent
60. Photosynthesis is an oxidation reduction process, oxygen to molecular oxygen :-
the materials that is oxidised is (1) Chlorophyll-a (2) Carotenoids
(1) CO2 (2) NADP (3) Phycobilins (4) Chlorophyll-b
(3) H2O (4) PGA
71. Hill reaction occurs in :–
61. Photo - oxidation of chlorophyll is called (1) High altitude plants (2) Total darkness
(1) Intensification (2) Chlorosis (3) Presence of ferricyanide
(3) Solarization (4) Defoliation (4) Absence of water
92 E
ALLEN
DARK REACTIONS (C3–PLANTS, 80. Ribulosediphosphate carboxylase enzyme, catalyse
C4–PLANTS, CAM–PLANTS) the carboxylation reaction between
(1) CO2 and ribulose-1, 5-diphosphate
72. In photosynthesis CO2 combines with (2) Oxaloacetic acid and acetyl Co–A
(1) RUBP (2) ATP (3) PGA and dihydroxyacetone phosphate
(3) ADP (4) PGA (4)Ribulosediphosphate and phosphate
glycerldehyde
73. During the dark reactions of photosynthesis :–
(1) Water splits 81. Which of the following is C-4 plants
(2) CO2 is reduced to organic compounds (1) Maize (2) Atriplex
(3) Chlorophyll is activated (3) Sugarcane (4) All of the above
(4) Stable C6-sugar is broken into three carbon sugars
82. C4 plants are adapted to
74. Carbohydrates, the most abundant biomolecules (1) Hot and dry climate
on earth, are produced by : (2) Temperate climate
(1) all bacteria, fungi and algae (3) Cold and dry climate
N
(2) fungi, algae and green plant cells (4) Hot and Humid climate
(3) some bacteria, algae and green plants cells
(4) viruses, fungi and bacteria 83. C4 plants are found among
0
(1) Only gramineae
75. The enzyme that fixes atmospheric CO2 in C4 plants (2) Only monocot
-2
is :– (3) Only dicot
E
(1) PEP carboxylase (2) Hexokinase (4) Monocots as well as dicots
19
(3) RUBP oxygenase (4) Hydrogenase
84. In case of C4 pathway, the first step is :-
76. During photosynthesis when PGA is changed into (1) CO2 combines with RUDP
phosphoglyceraldehyde which of the following 20
(2) CO2 combines with PGA
LL
reaction occur :– (3) CO2 combines with PEP
(1) Oxidation (2) Reduction (4) CO2 combines with RMP
n
(3) Electrolysis (4) Hydrolysis
85. In dark reaction, first reaction is the
io
77. Carbon refixation in C4 plants occurs in chloroplasts (1) Carboxylation (2) Decarboxylation
of :–
ss
(3) Dehydrogenation (4) Deamination

(1) Palisade tissue
(2) Spongy Mesophyll 86. Number of ATP molecules requried for regeneration
Se
(3) Bundle sheath cells phase of RUBP during synthesis of 1 glucose

A
(4) Gaurd cells molecule.

(1) 6 (2) 12
78. Tropical plants like sugarcane show high efficiency (3) 18 (4) 30
of CO2 fixation because of :–

(1) Calvin cycle 87. Isotopes employed to study the process of
(2) Hatch - Slack cycle photosynthesis reaction.
(3) Cyclic photophosphorylation (1) S35 and P32 (2) C14 and O18
(4) TCA Cycle (3) N14 and Co60 (4) N14 and O18
79. "Kranz" type of Anatomy is found in :– 88. Chloroplast is present in bundle sheath cells of
(1) C4 plant (1) C3 - plants
(2) C3 plant (2) C4 plants
(3) Succulent plants (3) CAM plants
(4) None of the above (4) Photorespiring plants
E 93
ALLEN
89. CO2 is accepted by RUBP in C4 plants in 98. The first stable product of Calvin cycle and HSK-
(1) Mesophyll cells (2) Bundle sheath cells cycle are
(3) Stomatal gaurd cells (4) Epidermal cells (1) 4-C and 3-C compounds
(2) 4-C and 6-C compounds
90. Bundle sheath chloroplast of C4 plant are :–
(3) 3-C and 4-C compounds
(1) Large & agranal
(4) 5-C and 4 - C compounds
(2) Large & granal
(3) Small & agranal 99. Which of the following was used during discovery
(4) Small & granal of Calvin cycle :
(1) Spirogyra (2) Volvox
91. Most efficient photosynthesis & presence of bundle
(3) Chlamydomonas (4) Chlorella
sheath chloroplast are characteristics of
(1) C3 - plants (2) C2 plants 100. In sugarcane plant 14CO2 is fixed in malic acid, in
(3) C4 plants (4) CAM plants which the enzyme that fixes CO2 is
(1) Ribulose biphosphate carboxylase
92. In C4 pathway the fixation of CO2 (by PEPCase)
(2) Phosphoenol pyruvic acid carboxylase (PEP-case)
occurs in
N
(3) Ribulose phosphate kinase
(1) Palisade tissue (2) Mesophyll
(4) Fructose phosphatase
(3) Bundle sheath (4) Gaurd cell
0
93. Synthesis of fructose in C4 pathway occurs in the PHOTORESPIRATION, BACTERIAL
-2
chloroplast of PHOTOSYNTHESIS & FACTORS SPECIAL MODE
E
(1) Spongy mesophyll OF NUTRITION IN PLANTS
19
(2) Bundle sheath cells
101. The rate of photosynthesis does not depend upon
(3) Gaurd cells
(1) Light duration (2) Light intensity
(4) Palisade tissue
94.
20
(3) Light quality (colour) (4) Temperature
LL
In addition to the 12 molecules of NADPH(H +) the
102. Which one of the following have high CO 2
energy required for the synthesis of one mole of
compensation point :–
n
hexose by C3 and C4 pathway is
(1) C2 plants (2) C3 plants
(1) 18 molecules of ATP
io
(3) C4 plants (4) Alpine herbs

(2) 30 molecules of ATP
103. Solarisation is a process in which :–
ss
(3) 18 & 30 molecules of ATP respectively

(4) 30 & 18 molecules of ATP respectively (1) Sugar are formed with the help of solar energy
(2) Chlorophyll is formed
Se
95. How many molecules of water are needed by a green

(3) Destruction of chlorophyll
A
plant to produce one molecule of hexose/reduce

(4) Mobilization of light energy.
6 molecules of CO2
(1) 6 (2) 12 104. Accumulation of food in assimilatory cells results
(3) 24 (4) Only one in

(1) Increase in the rate of photosynthesis
96. How many Calvin cycles would generate one
(2) Decrease in the rate of photosynthesis
molecules of glucose/hexose
(3) No effect
(1) One cycle (2) Three cycles
(4) May increase or decrease
(3) Six cycles (4) Twelve cycles
105. As compared to a C3-plant how many additional
97. CAM - plants are mainly
molecules of ATP are needed for net production
(1) Succulent xerophyte
of one molecule of hexose sugar by C4-plants :
(2) Hydrophytes
(1) two (2) six
(3) Epiphytes
(3) zero (4) twelve
(4) None of the above
94 E
ALLEN
106. First stable product of Photorespiration is :- 115. DCMU is an inhibitor of
(1) PGAL (2) Glycerate (1) PS-I (2) PS-II
(3) Glycine (4) Phosphoglycolate (3) Calvin cycle (4) Kreb's cycle
107. Etiolated plants are formed due to lack of 116. Main factor which limits the rate of photosynthesis
(1) Light (2) Hg on a clear day is
(3) Fe (4) Mg (1) Chlorophyll (2) Light
(3) CO2 (4) Water
108. During day light hours, the rate of photosynthesis
is higher than that of respiration and the ratio of 117. Photosynthetic bacteria differ from green plants in
oxygen produced to that of consumed is (1) Nature of their photosynthetic pigments
(1) 10 : 1 (2) 5 : 1 (2) Type of electron donors
(3) 1 : 1 (4) 50 : 1 (3) Photosynthetic process being non oxygenic
109. Generally atmospheric CO 2 is not limiting for (4) All of the above
hydrophytes
118. Which one of the following is wrong in relation
(1) Mesophytes plants fix H2S in their photosynthesis
to photorespiration :-
N
(2) These plants obtain CO2 from water in the form of
(1) It occurs in chloroplasts
HCO–3.
(2) It occurs in daytime only
(3) Glucose is not required for their respiration
0
(3) It is a characterisitic of C4 plants
(4) All the above
(4) It is a characteristic of C3 plants
-2
110. Photorespiration is favoured by
E 119. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) represents
(1) Low light intensity
19
the following range of wavelength :-
(2) Low O2 and high CO2
(3) Low temperature (1) 400–700 nm (2) 500–600 nm
(3) 450–950 nm (4) 340–450 nm
(4) High O2 and Low CO2 20
120. In C 3 plants, the first stable product of
LL
111. What is C2 - Cycle
(1) Glycolate cycle (2) Calvin cycle photosynthesis during the dark reaction is :-
n
(3) Kreb's cycle (4) TCA - cycle (1) Phosphoglycereldehyde
(2) Malic acid
io
112. Compensation point means (3) Oxaloacetic acid

(1) When the rate of photosynthesis is equal to rate
ss
(4) 3–phosphoglyceric acid

of respiration
(2) When there is neither photosynthesis nor 121. Plants adapted to low light intensity have :-
Se
respiration (1) Leaves modified to spines

A
(3) When the entire food manufactured in (2) Large photosynthetic unit size than the sun plants
photosynthesis remains unutilized (3) Higher rate of CO2 fixation than the sun plants
(4) When availability of water equalise with necessity (4) More extended root system
of water.
122. In chloroplasts, chlorophyll is present in the :-
113. At the compensation point there will not be (1) Stroma (2) Outer membrane
(1) Photosynthesis (3) Inner membrane (4) Thylakoids
(2) Net gaseous exchange between the plant and
its environment 123. Which one of the following categories of organisms
(3) Respiration in plants do not evolve oxygen during photosynthesis :-
(4) Loss in weight of the plant in dark (1) Red algae
(2) Photosynthetic bacteria
114. What does not occur in photorespiration
(3) C4–plants with Kranz anatomy
(1) Utilization of O2 (2) Production of CO2
(4) Blue green algae
(3) Synthesis of ATP (4) All the above
E 95
ALLEN
124. Which pair is wrong :-
(1) C3 plant-maize
(2) Calvin cycle-PGA
(3) Hatch and Slack cycle - Maize
(4) C4-plant- Kranz Anatomy
N
0
-2
E
19
20
LL
n
EXERCISE-I (Conceptual Questions) ANSWER KEY
io
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
ss
Ans. 2 3 2 4 4 4 2 4 2 1 3 3 1 1 4
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Se
Ans. 3 2 2 4 1 4 4 2 3 1 1 1 3 3 1
A
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 2 1 4 2 4 1 3
Que. 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 2 2 4 3 3 1 4 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 3
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
Ans. 3 1 4 2 2 3 1 2 4 2 3 1 2 3 1
Que. 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Ans. 2 3 2 1 1 4 1 4 3 1 1 2 2 2 1
Que. 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105
Ans. 3 2 2 3 2 3 1 3 4 2 1 2 3 2 4
Que. 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
Ans. 4 1 1 2 4 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 3 1 4
Que. 121 122 123 124
Ans. 2 4 2 1
96 E
ALLEN
EXERCISE-II (Previous Year Questions) AIPMT/NEET & AIIMS (2006-2018)
AIPMT 2006 7. Electrons from excited chlorophyll molecule of
1. In photosystem-I, the first electron acceptor is photosystem II are accepted first by :-

(1) Plastocyanin (1) Quinone
(2) An iron-sulphur protein
(2) Ferredoxin
(3) Ferredoxin
(3) Cytochrome –b
(4) Cytochrome
(4) Cytochrome –f
2. During photorespiration, the oxygen consuming
reaction(s) occur in AIPMT 2009
(1) Grana of chloroplasts and peroxisomes
8. Oxygenic photosynthesis occurs in :-
(2) Stroma of chloroplasts
(3) Stroma of chloroplasts and mitochondria (1) Oscillatoria
(4) Stroma of chloroplasts and peroxisomes
N
(2) Rhodospirillum
AIPMT 2007 (3) Chlorobium
(4) Chromatium
0
3. The first acceptor of electrons from an excited
-2
chlorophyll molecule of photosystem II is :-
9. Cyclic photophosphorylation results in the
E
(1) Quinone
formation of :-
19
(2) Cytochrome
(3) Iron-sulphur protein (1) ATP and NADPH
(4) Ferredoxin (2) ATP, NADPH and O2
4. In the leaves of C4 plants, malic acid formation
20
LL
(3) ATP
during CO2 fixation occurs in the cells of :-
(4) NADPH
n
(1) Epidermis
(2) Mesophyll
io
AIPMT-Pre 2010
(3) Bundle Sheath
10. PGA as the first CO 2 fixation product was
ss
(4) Phloem
discovered in photosynthesis of :
AIPMT 2008
Se
(1) Bryophyte
5. In leaves of C4 plants malic acid synthesis during
A
(2) Gymnosperm
CO2 fixation occurs in :-
(1) Bundle sheath (3) Angiosperm
(2) Guard cells (4) Alga

(3) Epidermal cells
(4) Mesophyll cells 11. C4 plants are more efficient in photosynthesis than
C3 plants due to :
6. The C4 plants are photosynthetically more efficient
than C3 plants because :- (1) Higher leaf area
(1) The CO2 efflux is not prevented (2) Presence of larger number of choloplasts in the
(2) They have more chloroplasts
leaf cells
(3) The CO2 compensation point is more
(4) CO 2 generated during photorespiration is (3) Presence of thin cuticle
trapped and recycled through PEP carboxylase (4) Lower rate of photorespiration
E 97
ALLEN
AIPMT-Mains 2010 AIPMT-Pre 2011
12. Study the pathway given below : 14. CAM helps the plants in :-
(1) Conserving water
Atmospheric CO 2 (2) Secondary growth
(3) Disease resistance
Mesophyll Plasma membrane
cell
Cell wall (4) Reproduction
–
AIPMT-Mains 2011
HCO3 Phosphoenolpyruvate
15. In Kranz anatomy, the bundle sheath cells have:

A C
(1) thick walls, many intercellular spaces and few
Plasmodesmata C4 acid C3 acid
chloroplasts
Bundle (2) thin walls, many intercellular spaces and no
sheath
cell
chloroplasts.
Transport Transport
Fixation by (3) thick walls, no intercellular spaces and large
N
C 4 acid Calvin cycle
CO 2
number of chloroplasts.
B C 3 acid
(4) thin walls, no intercellular spaces and several
chloroplasts.
0
AIPMT-Pre 2012
-2
E 16. A process that makes important difference between
19
C3 and C4 plants is :-
In which of the following options correct words for
(1) Photosynthesis (2) Photorespiration
all the three blanks A, B and C are indicated ?
(3) Transpiration (4) Glycolysis
A B C
20
LL
(1) Fixation Transamination Regeneration 17. The correct sequence of cell organelles during
(2) Fixation Decarboxylation Regeneration photorespiration is :-
n
(1) Chloroplast-mitochondria-peroxisome
(3) Carboxylation Decarboxylation Reduction
(2) Chloroplast-vacuole-peroxisome
io
(4) Decarboxylation Reduction Regeneration (3) Chloroplast-Golgibodies-mitochondria

ss
(4) Chloroplast-Rough endoplasmic reticulum-

13. Read the following four statements, A, B, C and Dictyosomes
Se
D and select the right option having both correct

AIPMT 2014
statements.
A
Statements : 18. Anoxygenic photosynthesis is characteristic of :

(A) Z scheme of light reaction takes place in present (1) Rhodospirillum
of PSI only. (2) Spirogyra

(B ) On ly PSI is functional in cyclic (3) Chlamydomonas
photophosphorylation
(4) Ulva
(C) Cyclic photophosphorylation results into
synthesis of ATP and NADPH(H+) Re-AIPMT 2015
(D) Stroma lamellae lack PSII as well as NADP 19. Chromatophores take part in :
reductase (1) Respiration
Options : (2) Photosynthesis
(3) Growth
(1) A and B (2) B and C
(4) Movement
(3) C and D (4) B and D
98 E
ALLEN
20. In photosynthesis, the light-independent reactions 27. The site of Calvin cycle in C4-plants is :-
take place at : (1) Parenchymatous cell
(1) Stromal matrix
(2) Mesophyll cell
(2) Thylakoid lumen
(3) Photosystem-I (3) Bundle sheath cell
(4) Photosystem-II (4) Grana
NEET-I 2016 NEET(UG) 2017

21. Emerson's enhancement effect and red drop have 28. With reference to factors affecting the rate of
been instrumental in the discovery of :- photosynthesis, which of the following statements
(1) Photophosphorylation and non-cyclic electron is not correct ?
transport (1) Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration up
to 0.05% can enhance CO2 fixation rate
(2) Two photosystems operating simultaneously
(2) C3 plants respond to higher temperatures with
(3) Photophosphorylation and cyclic electron
enhanced photosynthesis while C4 plants have
transport
much lower temperature optimum
N
(4) Oxidative phosphorylation
(3) Tomato is a greenhouse crop which can be
22. In a chloroplast the highest number of protons are grown in CO2 - enriched atmosphere for higher
found in :- yield
0
(1) Stroma (4) Light saturation for CO2 fixation occurs at 10%
-2
(2) Lumen of thylakoids
E of full sunlight
(3) Inter membrane space 29. Phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) is the primary CO2
19
(4) Antennae complex acceptor in:
23. A plant in your garden avoids photorespiratory (1) C4 plants (2) C2 plants
losses, has improved water use efficiency shows 20
(3) C3 and C4 plants (4) C3 plants
LL
high rates of photosynthesis at high temperatures
AIIMS 2017
and has improved efficiency of nitrogen utilisation.
n
In which of the following physiological groups would 30. Due to increase in concentration of CO2 :-
you assign this plant ? (1) Photosynthesis increases
io
(1) C3 (2) C4 (2) Photosynthesis decreases

ss
(3) CAM (4) Nitrogen fixer (3) Water absorption efficiency increases
NEET-II 2016 (4) Water absorption efficiency decreases
Se
24. The process which makes major difference between 31. Choose the correct statement about C4 plants :-
C3 and C4 plants is :-
A
(1) Mesophyll cells possess RuBisCO

(1) Photorespiration (2) Respiration
(2) Neither mesophyll cells nor bundle sheath cells
(3) Glycolysis (4) Calvin cycle posses RuBisCO
AIIMS 2016 (3) Mesophyll cells have PEPcase which convert

25. The primary acceptor of CO2 in C3 plants is :- CO2 into OAA
(1) RuBP (2) PGA (4) Bundle sheath cells synthesise OAA which is a
4 carbon compound
(3) PEP (4) Malic acid
32. Why C4 plants are more efficient?
26. Calvin cycle takes place in :-
(1) They show photorespiration
(1) Only C3 plants
(2) They have RuBisCO in mesophyll cells
(2) Only C4 plants
(3) They can tolerate high temperature
(3) Both C3 and C4 plants
(4) They have a mechanism of concentrating CO2
(4) Neither C3 nor C4 plants
at the place of RuBisCO enzyme action.
E 99
ALLEN
33. A NEET(UG) 2018
35. Which of the following is not a product of light
reaction of photosynthesis ?
B
(1) ATP (2) NADH
C
(3) NADPH (4) Oxygen
D 36. Oxygen is not produced during photosynthesis by:-
(1) Green sulphur bacteria
(2) Nostoc
Choose the correct option for A to D :-
(3) Cycas
(1) A-Photon B-Reaction centre, (4) Chara
C-Pigment molecules, D-Primary acceptor AIIMS 2018
(2) A-Pigment molecules, B-Primary acceptor, 37. The saturation concentration of CO2 for C4 plants
is :-
N
C-Photon, D-Reaction centre
(1) 400 (2) 280
(3) A-Primary acceptor, B-Photon,
(3) 360 (4) 460
C-Reaction centre, D-Pigment molecules
0
38. Saturation point of CO2 in C3 plants is :-
(4) A-Reaction centre, B-Pigment molecules,
-2
(1) 550 (2) 450
C-Primary acceptor, D-Photon
E (3) 360 (4) 260
19
34. Which of the following statements is correct?
(1) RuBisCO is present in the mesophyll cells of
C4 plants
(2) RuBisCO is present in the mesophyll cells of
20
LL
C3 plants
n
(3) PEPcase is present in the bundle sheath cells
of C4 plants
io
(4) Both RuBisCO and PEPcase are present in

ss
mesophyll cells of C4 plant

Se
A
EXERCISE-II (Previous Year Questions) ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 2 4 1 2 4 2 1 1 3 4 2 2 4 1 3
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 1 1
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Ans. 3 4 3 2 2 1 3 2
100 E
ALLEN
EXERCISE-III (Analytical Questions) Check Your Understanding
EXERCISE-III(A) (NCERT BASED QUESTIONS) 9. In C4 plants photorespiration does not occur, due to:-
(1) Presence of RubisCO enzyme
1. "Only green part of the plants could release (2) Presence of high light intensity
oxygen" this is shown by – (3) Increased concentration of CO2 at RuBisCO
(1) Priestley (2) Moll enzyme site
(3) Ingenhousz (3) Julius Van Sachs (4) Presence of bundle sheath cells.
2. In Calvin cycle which step involve utilisation of 2 10. In pho to synt hesis durin g ATP f or mati on
molecules of ATP for phosphorylation and two of accumulation of protons occurs :-
NADPH2 per CO2 molecule fixed ? (1) in lumen of thylakoid
(1) Regeneration (2) Carboxylation (2) in stroma of chloroplast
(3) in stroma lamellae
(3) Reduction (4) All of above
(4) at outer surface of thylakoid
3. Which character make C4 plants special ?
11. By using the bell jar, which of the following showed
N
(1) Special type of leaf anatomy
that sunlight is essential to plant process that
(2) They can tolerate high temperature
purifies the air?
(3) Show response to high light intensities (1) Joseph priestley (2) Julius Von Sachs
0
(4) All of the above (3) T.W. Engelmann (4) Jan Ingenhousz
-2
4. Most abundant enzyme in the world is –
E 12. Radioisotopic technique was used to prove some
19
(1) Collagen (2) RubisCO facts about :-
(3) PEPcase (4) Pyruvate dikinase (1) light reaction of photosynthesis
(2) biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis
5. PS-II is physically located on –
(1) Inner side of the membrane of the thylakoid
20
(3) Both (1) and (2)
LL
(4) Different shapes of chloroplasts in plants
(2) Outer side of the membrane of the thylakoid
(3) Middle of the membrane of the thylakoid 13. For the synthesis of one molecule of sucrose, how
n
(4) None of the above may ATP molecules are required in reduction step
io
of Calvin cycle?
6. For every CO2 molecule entering the Calvin cycle, (1) 24 ATP (2) 18 ATP
ss
required energy is :- (3) 2 ATP (4) 12 ATP

(1) 3 ATP and 2 NADPH
14. The plants with Hatch and Slack pathway are
Se
(2) 2 ATP and 3 NADPH

adapted to :-
A
(3) 3 ATP and 3 NADPH (1) humid temperate regions

(4) 2 ATP and 2 NADPH (2) dry temperate regions
(3) humid tropical regions
7. In C4 plants, bundle sheath cell are characterised

(4) dry tropical regions
by :-
(1) Large number of chloroplasts 15. C3 plants have been used as greenhouse crops
(2) Thick walls impervious to gaseous exchange for higher yields because :-
(3) No intercellular spaces (1) These plants show CO 2 saturation at about 360
(4) All the above mlL–1
(2) Current availability of CO2 levels is limiting to
8. Which enzyme is absent in mesophyll cells of C4 C3 plants
plants ? (3) These plants are photosynthetically more
(1) RubisCO (2) PEPcase efficient than C4 plants
(3) Both (1) and (2) (4) None of the above (4) C3 plants loses less water as compare to C4 plants
E 101
ALLEN
16. Word dark reaction for biosynthetic phase of (2) It occurs in stroma of chloroplast by enzymatic
photosynthesis is misnomer word because :- reaction
(1) Dark reaction occur during dark (3) Both (4) None of above
(2) Dark reaction occur during day
24. Which of the following is most crucial step of Calvin
(3) Dark reaction is completely free from light
cycle?
(4) Dark reaction occur during short dark intervals
(1) Carboxylation (2) Reduction
17. Photosynthetic photosystem is consist of :- (3) Regeneration (4) None
(1) Reaction centre only
25. How many ATP are required for regeneration of
(2) LHC only
RUBP in one Calvin cycle.
(3) Both LHC & reaction centre
(1) 6 ATP (2) 1 ATP
(4) LHC, reaction centre and ETC
(3) 3 ATP (4) 12 ATP
18. In grana lamellae, presence of which of the
EXERCISE-III(B) (ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS)
following specify that 'z' scheme found only in
grana lamellae? 26. How much energy in terms of ATP equivalents is
N
(1) PS-I, PS-II consumed in the photosynthetic production of a
(2) PS-II & NADP reductase mole of hexose
(3) Presence of PS-I & NADP reductase (1) 36 ATP eq. (2) 38 ATP eq.
0
(4) Presence of Mg++ in lumen (3) 40 ATP eq. (4) 54 ATP eq.
-2
19. Which of the following is not needed for
E 27. Glycolate accumulates in chloroplast at
photophosphorylation? (1) Low temp. (2) Low CO2
19
(1) Photon (2) Proton pump-Co-Q (3) Visible light illumination (4) High CO2
(3) Membrane (4) Proton gradient
28. Represented below is the graph showing action
20. At higher light intensities gradually rate of
20
spectrum of photosynthesis superimposed on
LL
photosynthesis :- absorption spectrum of chlorophyll 'a'. Which one
(1) Further increases (2) Further decreases of the following is correct for this ?
n
(3) Does not show further increase
io
(4) First decreases then increases Rate of photosynthesis

Absorption
Light absorbed
ss
21. An elegant experiment with an aquatic plant

showed that in bright sunlight, small bubbles were
formed around the green parts while in the dark
Se
they did not. It was done by :-

A
(1) Jan Ingenhousz (2) Van Sachs

(3) Priestley (4) Van Niel
400 500 600 700
Wavelength of light in nanometres (nm)
22. Based on his studies of purple & green bacteria

who demonstrated that photosynthesis is (1) There is a complete one to one overlap between
essentially a light dependent reaction in which the absorption and action spectrum
hydrogen from a suitable oxidisable compound (2) By this overlapping it can be concluded that
reduces CO2 to carbohydrates? ch lo ro ph yll 'a' is t he chie f pi gmen t of
(1) Van Niel (2) Von Sachs photosynthesis
(3) Calvin (4) Priestley (3) This overlapping shows that only chlorophyll
'a' absorb the entire light energy
23. Which of following is correct about dark reaction?
(4) These graphs show that photosynthesis occurs
(1) It is not directly light driven but are dependent
only in the wavelengths of blue and red light
on products of light reaction (ATP & NADPH)
102 E
ALLEN
29. Which of the following is the product of oxidation 35. The product of light reaction of photosynthesis,
during photosynthesis ? which is not common between cyclic and
(1) Carbondioxide (2) Glucose non cyclic photophosphorylation and is not utilized
(3) Water (4) Oxygen in Calvin cycle, is :-
(1) O2
30. Find out the correct match from the following
(2) ATP
table :-
(3) NADPH2
Column-I Column-II Column-III (4) O2 and ATP
(i) Photochemical Photosystem II Oxygen 36. During Z-scheme of photosynthesis which of the
phase release following not helps in creation of proton gradient?
(ii) Paper Chlorophyll 'b' Yellow (1) Release of protons in stroma by water splitting
Chromatography orange (2) Presence of H-carriers in the thylakoid
membrane
(iii) Carotenoids Chief pigment Red light
absorption (3) Reduction of NADP+
(4) Oxidation of water by photosystem-II
N
(1) (i) only (2) (i) and (ii)
(3) (iii) only (4) (ii) and (iii) 37. “Plants restore to the air whatever breathing
animals and burning candles remove”. This was
0
31. In CAM plant s, phot oph osph orylation hypothesised by :-
occurs in :-
-2
(1) Stephen Hales
(1) Bundle sheath cell, during night
E (2) Jan Ingenhousz
(2) Mesophyll cell, during day time
19
(3) Joseph Priestley
(3) Mesophyll cell, during night (4) Ruben and Kamen
(4) Bundle sheath cell, during day time
32. In Calvin cycle, CO2 is fused with primary acceptor

38. 20
Primary electron acceptor of P700 is :-
(1) Plastocyanin (2) Plastoquinone
LL
molecule to form 3C compound phosphoglycerate. (3) Pheophytin (4) FRS
If in this reaction CO2 provides one carbon then
n
how many carbons are present in primary acceptor 39. Which phase of Calvin cycle does/do not use any
io
molecule ? energy rich molecule :-

(1) Five carbons (1) Carboxylation only
ss
(2) Two carbons (2) Carboxylation and reduction

(3) Six carbons (3) Reduction and regeneration
Se
(4) Three carbons (4) Reduction only

A
33. In photosynthesis, NADPH + H+ are oxidised 40. The C4 plants differ from C3 plants with reference
in :- to the
(1) Calvin cycle (1) Substance that accepts CO 2 in carbon
(2) noncyclic photophosphorylation assimilation.

(3) cyclic photophosphorylation (2) Type of end product of photosynthesis
(4) Z-scheme (3) Number of NADPH 2 that are consumed in
synthesis of hexose
34. Enzyme, which can catalyse both carboxylation and (4) Type of pigments involved in photosynthesis.
oxygenation of RuBP in the chloroplast, is not
found in which of the following cells ? 41. How many quanta of light are required per NADPH
(1) Mesophyll cells of C4 plants + H+ formation ?
(2) Mesophyll cells of C3 plants (1) 8 quanta (2) 16 quanta
(3) Mesophyll cells of CAM plants (3) 4 quanta (4) 2 quanta
(4) Bundle sheath cells of C4 plants
E 103
ALLEN
42. The common feature between non-cyclic and cyclic 44. In C4 plants, RuBisCO is present in
photophosphorylation is :- (1) Agranal chloroplasts in mesophyll cells
(1) Proton gradient formation (2) Granal chloroplasts in mesophyll cells
(2) Release of O2 (3) Agranal Chloroplasts in bundle sheath cells
(3) Formation of NADPH + H+ (4) Granal Chloroplasts in bundle sheath cells
(4) Photolysis of water
45. How many NADPH + H+ are produced in cyclic
43. The second acceptor of CO2 in C4 plants is photophosphorylation per 4e– flow in its ETS.
(1) PEP (2) Malate (1) One (2) Two
(3) Aspartate (4) RuBP (3) Four (4) Zero
N
0
-2
E
19
20
LL
n
io
ss
Se
A
EXERCISE-III (Analytical Questions) ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 3 3 4 2 1 1 4 1 3 1 4 3 1 4 2
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 2 3 2 2 3 1 1 3 1 2 4 2 2 4 1
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 1 3 1 4 3 4
104 E
ALLEN
EXERCISE-IV (Assertion & Reason) Target AIIMS
Directions for Assertion & Reason questions
These questions consist of two statements each, printed as Assertion and Reason. While answering
these Questions you are required to choose any one of the following four responses.
(A) If both Assertion & Reason are True & the Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(B) If both Assertion & Reason are True but Reason is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(C) If Assertion is True but the Reason is False.
(D) If both Assertion & Reason are false.
1. Assertion :- Photosynthesis is a physico-chemical 9. Assertion :- In St roma la mellae cyclic
process photophosphorylalion is the only mean of ATP
Reason :- In photosynthesis transfer of light is a synthesis
physical process, while synthesis of carbohydrate is Reason :- In stroma lamellae both PS-II and NADP
a chemical process. reductase enzyme are absent.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
N
2. Assertion :- In photosynthesis there is synthesis of 10. Assertion :- Energy is not required to pump
glucose but it is stored in form of starch. protons from stroma to lumen.
Reason :- Glucose is osmotically active while starch Reason :- Movement of protons from stroma to
lumen is carried out through facilitated diffusion.
0
is osmotically inactive
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
-2
11. Assertion :- Biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis
3. Assertion :- Photosynthesis is the uphill process,
E is also termed as dark reaction.
while respiration is the down hill process.
Reason :- Biosynthetic phase is not directly
19
Reason :- In photosynthesis CO2 (weak e– acceptor)
dependent on light but it is supported by products
and in respiration O2 (strong e– acceptor) are used of light reactions.
as substrate. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
4.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Assertion :- Biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis
12. 20
Assertion :- In all photosynthetic plants first
fixation product during biosynthetic phase of
LL
is known as dark reaction. photosynthesis is PGA.
Reason :- It takes place in absence of light. Reason :- PGA is the most stable product and is
n
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D synthesised from both RuBP and PEP, whenever
5. Assertion :- Presence of accessory pigments they act as first CO2 accepting substance.
io
enhances rate of photosynthesis. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

Reason :- They enable a wider range of wavelength 13. Assertion :- Carboxylation is the most crucial step
ss
of incoming light to be utilised for photosynthesis. of the Calvin cycle.

(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D Reason :- In carboxylation both ATP and reducing
6. Assertion :- Excitement of electron from PS to first power get consumed.
Se
e– acceptor is uphill process. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

A
Reason :- Redox potential of first e– acceptor is 14. Assertion :- To make one molecule of glucose 6
less than the ground state of reaction centre. turns of Calvin cycle are required.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D Reason :- In each turn of Calvin cycle there is
fixation of one CO2 only while 6CO2 are required
7. Assertion :- The whole scheme of transfer of

electrons strarting from PS-II to NADP+ is called for each glucose.
z-zcheme. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
15. Assertion :- C4 pathway can not effectively work
Reason :- When all the carriers of this scheme are
at low temperature conditions.
placed in sequence on a redox potential scale. They
Reason :- Enzyme PPDK does not effectively work
appear like Z.
at low temperature.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
8. Assertion :- Both PS-I and PS-II are located on 16. Assertion :- C4 plants can tolerate high light
stroma thylakoid membrane intensities.
Reason :- Photolysis of water and reduction of Reason :- Concentric arrangement of bundle
NADP+ takes place in stroma site. sheath cells leads to minimum surface area so that
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D effect of high light intensity can be overcome.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
E 105
ALLEN
17. Assertion :- In C4 plants there is no photorespiration. 25. Assertion :- Photorespiration is one of the wasteful
Reason :- In C4 plants photolysis of H2O and processes.
Rubisco activity occurs in different cells. Reason :- In Photo respiration there is no synthesis
of ATP and NADPH
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
18. Assertion :- C4 plants show greater productivity
26. As sert io n :- In C 4 plants th ere is no
of biomass.
photorespiration.
Reason :- In C4 plants there is no photo respiration Reason :- Rubisco of C4 plants does not show
and maximum absorption of sunlight. oxygenation affinity.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
19. Assertion :- C 4 plants can perform better 27. Assertion :- Photosynthetic productivity of plants
phtosynthesis even in low CO2 level in atmosphere. is also governed by genetic predisposition.
Reason :- In C4 plants there is efficient pumping Reason :- C3 or C4 nature of plant is ultimately
of CO2 to bundle sheath cells. controlled by genetic constitution of plant.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
20. Assertion :- In mesophyll cells of C4 plants there 28. Assertion :- In Aquatic conditions usually CO2
is no sugar formation after fixation of CO2. concentration regulates the rate of photosynthesis.
Reason :- In mesophyll cells there is no Rubisco Reason :- In Aquatic conditions generally CO2 is
N
so C3 cycle events can not operate. available at suboptimal level.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
21. Assertion :- In C4 plants CO2 always transports to 29. Assertion :- In terrestrial conditions CO2 usually
0
bundle sheath cells from mesophyll cells in the form acts as main determining factor of photosynthesis.
-2
of malic acid Reason :- Usually CO2 is available at sub optimal
E
Reason :- OAA is always reduced into malic acid level in terrestrial conditions.
19
in C4 plants. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D 30. Assertion :- Except sciophyte and plants of dense
22. Assertion :- C4 plants are less efficient than C3 forest, light is rarely a limiting factor in nature.
plants. 20
Reason :- Light saturation occurs at 10 percent
of full summer sunlight.
LL
Reason :- In C4 plants respiration is to provide
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
more number of ATP and NADPH2 for reduction
31. Assertion :- In C 3 plants increase in CO 2
n
of CO2 in to glucose and regeneration.
concentration will increase their productivity.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
io
Reason :- In C3 plants CO2 saturation point is

23. Assertion :- The basic pathway that results in
450 ppm.
formation of sugars, the Calvin path way is common
ss
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

to the C3 and C4 plants. 32. Assertion :- Water stress primarily shows indirect
Reason :- C3 path is the only biosynthetic path effect on photosynthesis.
Se
which yields sugar from CO2. Reason :- Water stress leads to closure of stomata
A
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D and prevent gaseous exchange.

24. Assertion :- Rubisco show either carboxylation or (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
oxygenation activity at a time. 33. Assertion :- Indirectly water stress leads to
Reason :- Binding of CO2 or O2 is competitive and decrease in photosynthesis.

relative concentration of O2 and CO2 determine Reason :- Water stress leads to wilt of leaves and
which will bind to the enzyme. minimise their surface area.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
EXERCISE-IV (Assertion & Reason) ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 3 1 1
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 1
Que. 31 32 33
Ans. 1 1 1
106 E

25 E19 20 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants 1589118197

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25 E19 20 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants 1589118197

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PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

S.No. CONTENTS Page

44. What do we know 64

45. Early experiments 65

46. Where does photosynthesis take place 67

48. How many pigments are involved in photosynthesis 68

53. Chemiosmotic hypothesis 20 76

56. Hatch and Slack cycle 80

57. CAM pathway 82

59. Factors affecting photosynthesis 85

60. Exercise-I (Conceptual Questions) 89

61. Exercise-II (Previous Years Questions) 97

62. Exercise-III (Analytical Questions) 101

63. Exercise-IV (Assertion & Reason) 105

CO2 is required for photosynthesis.

Leaf attached Area of leaf

(i) A candle burning in a closed space i.e. a bell jar, soon

He concluded that a burning candle or an animal that breathe

Julius Von Sachs (1854) :

Sucrose – Chemically inactive and soluble

2H2A + CO2 ¾¾¾

Robert Hill and Bendall :

Benzoquinone, chromate and DCPIP etc.

Ruben, Hasid and Kamen :

This can be expressed as :

Grana Stroma Enzymatic reaction incorporate CO2

Conditions Alignment of chloroplasts

Low light intensity Perpendicular to the incident light (Epistrophe)

Moderate light intensity Random (Apostrophe)

High light Low light Moderate light

Various kinds of alignment of chloroplasts

Ans. Under high light conditions, this is called parastrophe.

Ans. Under low light conditions, this is called epistrophe.

(iii) Xanthophyll (Yellow)

(iv) Carotene (Yellow orange)

It is a green colour pigment, occur inside green bacteria.

(A) Chlorophylls (B) Carotenoids (C) Phycobillins

Glutamic acid ¾® Chlorophyll-a

and 2 covalent bonds membrane.

They occur exclusively in BGA and Red algae as an accessory pigments.

· Etiolation : Yellowing of leaves due to deficiency of light.

· Phytochrome : It is a proteinaceous (chromoprotein) pigment in angiosperms and responsible for seed

(c) 400 500 600 700

What is light reaction ?

(II) Formation of high energy intermediates :

only. (Red drop)

Located at non-appressed parts of Usually located at appressed parts of grana

It participates in both cyclic and non- It participates only in non-cyclic

PS-I in Reaction center (P 700)

LHP = Light harvesting pigments

synthesis of ATP but not of NADPH.

ADP + iP ATP NADP +

membrane H+H+H+H+ gradient

Photophosphorylation Oxidative phosphorylation

Membranes through which proton Membrane through which proton graident

Protons accumulate towards the inner

Light energy is utilised for the

measurable decrease in pH in the lumen.

Stroma Low ATP

This is achieved by electrons available respectively :-

(3) By ATP and photosystem-II (4) By splitting of water and photosystem-II

(3) 700 nm and 430 nm (4) 680 nm and 700 nm

Where are the ATP and NADPH used (Dark reaction)