Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Which of the following photosystems is predominantly

1
present in stroma lamellae?

a) PS I

b) PS II

c) PS I and PS II

d) None of the above

 Discussion

● The chlorophyll a and the accessory pigments form the photosystem

● There are two photosystems present in the chloroplast - PS I and PS II
● PS I absorbs light of wavelength 700nm, while PS II absorbs light of
wavelength 680nm
● The grana lamellae have both PS I and PS II
● But the stroma lamellae have only PS I

light light

Stroma

e- e-
Thylakoid
e+ e+
Membrane
Thylakoid
Photosystem II Photosystem I Space
(P680) (P700)
 Which of the following photosystems is predominantly
1
present in stroma lamellae?

a) PS I

b) PS II

c) PS I and PS II

d) None of the above

2 Label a, b, and c respectively.
2 Label a, b, and c respectively.

a) Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, xanthophylls

b) Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids

c) Chlorophyll a, xanthophylls, carotenoids

d) Chlorophyll a, xanthophylls, chlorophyll b

 Discussion

● The graph shows the absorption spectrum of a mixture

of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the
range of visible light (380nm to 700nm).
2 Label a, b, and c respectively.

a) Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, xanthophylls

b) Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids

c) Chlorophyll a, xanthophylls, carotenoids

d) Chlorophyll a, xanthophylls, chlorophyll b

 Water splitting complex is associated with which of the
3
following?

a) PS-I and is located on the inner side of

thylakoid membrane

b) PS-II and is located on the inner side of

thylakoid membrane

c) PS-Il and is located on the outer side of

thylakoid membrane

d) PS-I and is located on the outer side of

thylakoid membrane
 Discussion

● Water splitting complex is associated with PS-II and is located on the

inner side of the thylakoid membrane (facing the lumen of thylakoids).
It helps in splitting the water.

2 H2O 4 H+ + 4 e- + 1 O2
Discussion
 Water splitting complex is associated with which of the
3
following?

a) PS-I and is located on the inner side of

thylakoid membrane

b) PS-II and is located on the inner side of

thylakoid membrane

c) PS-Il and is located on the outer side of

thylakoid membrane

d) PS-I and is located on the outer side of

thylakoid membrane
 Which of the following statements about chloroplast is
4
incorrect?

a) Chloroplasts have an inner and outer

membrane

b) Chloroplasts contain stacks of thylakoids

called grana

c) Chloroplast contains pigments like

chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b

d) Chloroplasts don’t contain any ribosome

 Discussion

Chloroplast
● Large organelles that are bound by a double
membrane (inner and outer membrane)
● Inner membrane encloses a fluid called the stroma
○ In the stroma, there are disc-shaped structures
called thylakoids
○ Thylakoids are stacked upon one another to form
the granum
● Contain light-absorbing pigments such as chlorophyll a,
chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and xanthophylls
● Have their own DNA and ribosomes and are thus
capable of making their own proteins
 Discussion

Chloroplast
 Which of the following statements about chloroplast is
4
incorrect?

a) Chloroplasts have an inner and outer

membrane

b) Chloroplasts contain stacks of thylakoids

called grana

c) Chloroplast contains pigments like

chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b

d) Chloroplasts don’t contain any ribosome

 In a chloroplast, enzymatic reaction to synthesize sugar
5
takes place in

a) the lumen of the thylakoids

b) stroma

c) ribosome

d) stroma lamellae
 Discussion

● The dark reaction uses carbon dioxide and water in the

presence of ATP and NADPH to synthesize glucose,
which serves as a food for plants. This involves a series
of enzyme catalysed reactions.

● Stroma or the fluid enclosed by the inner membrane of

the chloroplast is the site of the dark reaction.
Discussion
 In a chloroplast, enzymatic reaction to synthesize sugar
5
takes place in

a) the lumen of the thylakoids

b) stroma

c) ribosome

d) stroma lamellae
 Which of the following is correct regarding cyclic
6
photophosphorylation?

a) It involves both PS-l and PS-lI

b) The electrons released from PS-I are again

cycled back to PS-I

c) It requires an external electron donor

d) Both ATP and NADPH are formed

 Discussion

● During cyclic photophosphorylation, only PS-I is

involved.

● The reaction centre of PS-I absorbs light of wavelength

700 nm and releases electrons which pass through the
electron transport system and are cycled back to the
reaction centre. Hence it does not require an external
electron donor.

● During cyclic photophosphorylation, there is only

synthesis of ATP.
Discussion
 Which of the following is correct regarding cyclic
6
photophosphorylation?

a) It involves both PS-l and PS-lI

b) The electrons released from PS-I are again

cycled back to PS-I

c) It requires an external electron donor

d) Both ATP and NADPH are formed

 Which of the following products from light dependent
7
reaction is used as a source of energy in the light
independent reactions?

a) NADPH

b) Oxygen

c) Glucose

d) ADP
 Discussion

● In the light dependent reaction, the assimilatory powers,

ATP and NADPH, are formed. These are utilised during
light independent reaction.

● NADPH is utilised to reduce the intermediates that form

carbohydrates and gets oxidised.

● Oxygen is evolved during photolysis of water but

oxygen is not utilised during light independent reaction
for the synthesis of sugars.
 Discussion

Light Water Carbon

energy dioxide

NADPH, ATP Light -

Light -
dependent independent
reactions reactions
NADP+, ADP

Oxygen Sugars
 Which of the following products from light dependent
7
reaction is used as a source of energy in the light
independent reactions?

a) NADPH

b) Oxygen

c) Glucose

d) ADP
8 Proton gradient helps in:

a) ATP synthesis

b) NADPH synthesis

c) Providing electrons to PS-ll

d) Providing oxygen to PS-ll

 Discussion

● Protons accumulate inside the thylakoid lumen during

○ Transport of electrons across the photosystems

○ Splitting of water

● The number of protons is high inside the lumen of

thylakoids when compared to the stroma of chloroplast.

● This creates a proton gradient which results in the

movement of protons across the membrane into the
stroma through ATP synthase.
 Discussion
● This movement of protons from a region of high concentration
(thylakoid lumen) to low concentration (stroma) activates the
enzyme and helps in the synthesis of ATP.
8 Proton gradient helps in:

a) ATP synthesis

b) NADPH synthesis

c) Providing electrons to PS-ll

d) Providing oxygen to PS-ll

9
Which of the following is correct with respect
to ATP synthase?

a) It is an active transport pump.

b) It is a facilitated diffusion channel.

c) It is a passive transport channel.

d) Both b and c are correct.

 Discussion

● ATP synthase is a protein that forms transmembrane

channels.

● It allows facilitated diffusion of protons which results

in generation of ATP.

○ Facilitated diffusion is a method of passive

transport which involves movement of molecules
from its higher concentration to lower
concentration.
 Discussion

ADP Pi H+ ATP

[H+] ↓ Stroma CF1

Thylakoid membrane CF0

[H+] ↑ Thylakoid lumen

9
Which of the following is correct with respect
to ATP synthase?

a) It is an active transport pump.

b) It is a facilitated diffusion channel.

c) It is a passive transport channel.

d) Both b and c are correct.

 ____________ are required for the formation of one
10
molecule of glucose during the Calvin pathway.

a) 3CO2 + 18ATP + 18NADPH

b) 6CO2 + 12ATP

c) 6CO2 + 18ATP + 12NADPH

d) 6CO2 + 18ATP + 24NADPH

 Discussion

● The Calvin cycle includes three stages - carboxylation, reduction and regeneration.
 Discussion

● ATP and NADPH are the assimilatory powers formed during

the light reaction of photosynthesis. These are utilised to
synthesise glucose.

● Carboxylation does not require ATP and NADPH.

● 12 ATP and 12 NADPH are utilised during the reduction

stage of the Calvin cycle.

● 6 ATP are required during the regeneration stage.

Thus, for the synthesis of one molecule of glucose, 6CO2,

18 ATP and 12 NADPH are required.
 ____________ are required for the formation of one
10
molecule of glucose during the Calvin pathway.

a) 3CO2 + 18ATP + 18NADPH

b) 6CO2 + 12ATP

c) 6CO2 + 18ATP + 12NADPH

d) 6CO2 + 18ATP + 24NADPH

11 The C3 cycle is called so because

a) 3 molecules of CO2 are required for

the formation of 1 glucose

b) 3 ATP and 3 NADPH are utilized in

this cycle

c) the cycle has to be repeated 3 times

to generate 1 glucose molecule

d) the first stable product of CO2

fixation is a 3 carbon compound
 Discussion

● Calvin cycle is also called C3 cycle as the first stable product

formed is a 3 carbon compound, 3 phosphoglyceric acid (3 PGA)

● In C3 plants, the primary acceptor of carbon dioxide is a 5 carbon

compound, RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate).

P P +
RuBP rubisco CO2

P P
Unstable

P P
3 - phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
11 The C3 cycle is called so because

a) 3 molecules of CO2 are required for

the formation of 1 glucose

b) 3 ATP and 3 NADPH are utilized in

this cycle

c) the cycle has to be repeated 3 times

to generate 1 glucose molecule

d) the first stable product of CO2

fixation is a 3 carbon compound
12 In the Calvin cycle, triose phosphate is formed during

a) carboxylation stage

b) reduction stage

c) regeneration stage

d) oxidation stage
 Discussion

3 - phosphoglycerate 2 (3-PGA)
P
ATP
ADP

NADPH
NADP+

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate 2(G3P)

Reduction
12 In the Calvin cycle, triose phosphate is formed during

a) carboxylation stage

b) reduction stage

c) regeneration stage

d) oxidation stage
13 Photorespiration is a wasteful process because

a) no synthesis of sugar takes place

b) no ATP production takes place

c) CO2 is released using ATP

d) all of the above

 Discussion

● Photorespiration is a process where enzyme RuBisCO (ribulose

bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase) takes up oxygen instead
of carbon dioxide thereby inhibiting photosynthesis.

6O2

6 RuBP 6 3-PGA
+
6 2-PG
Not enough (2C)
C atoms to Photorespiration
generate 6
RuBPs
No glucose
made
 Discussion

● This eventually leads to a decrease in the products of

photosynthesis like glucose and oxygen.

● There is no production of ATP instead it is utilised to release

the carbon dioxide.

Thus, all the statements justify that photorespiration is a

wasteful process.
13 Photorespiration is a wasteful process because

a) no synthesis of sugar takes place

b) no ATP production takes place

c) CO2 is released using ATP

d) all of the above

14 Photorespiration does not occur in C4 plants
because

a) of enzyme RuBisCO

b) the first primary acceptor is

phosphoenolpyruvate

c) they do not require CO2

d) they have a mechanism that increases the

concentration of CO2 at the enzyme site
 Discussion

● Photorespiration does not occur in C4 plants because they

have a mechanism that increases the concentration of
CO2 at the enzyme site.

● In the C4 pathway, carbon fixation ultimately results in the

production of malic acid in the mesophyll cells.

● The malic acid is broken down in the bundle sheath to

release CO2.
 Discussion

● Since the bundle sheath cells have thick walls they do

not allow CO2 to escape.

● This results in an increase in intracellular concentration

of CO2.

● This ensures that the RuBisCO in the bundle sheath

cells functions as a carboxylase and not oxygenase,
thus preventing photorespiration.
14 Photorespiration does not occur in C4 plants
because

a) of enzyme RuBisCO

b) the first primary acceptor is

phosphoenolpyruvate

c) they do not require CO2

d) they have a mechanism that increases the

concentration of CO2 at the enzyme site
15 How many ATP molecules are utilised during the
carboxylation stage of Calvin cycle?

a) 2

b) 11

c) 3

d) None
 Discussion

During carboxylation, CO2 combines with RuBP and forms 3-

PGA. This step does not require ATP.

P P +
RuBP CO2
RuBisCO

P P

Unstable

P P

3 - phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
15 How many ATP molecules are utilised during the
carboxylation stage of Calvin cycle?

a) 2

b) 11

c) 3

d) None
16 CAM pathway helps the plants in __________.

a) secondary growth

b) primary growth

c) transporting minerals and nutrients

from the soil

d) reducing loss of water by

transpiration
 Discussion

● CAM pathway is an adaptation that helps the plant to open the

stomata during the night and keep it closed during the day.

● This helps in taking in CO2 for fixation without losing water due to
opening of stomata and prevents water loss by transpiration.

CO2

Stomata closed Stomata open

16 CAM pathway helps the plants in __________.

a) secondary growth

b) primary growth

c) transporting minerals and nutrients

from the soil

d) reducing loss of water by

transpiration
17 Which of the following is the primary product
formed during CO2 fixation in the C4 pathway?

a) Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

b) Oxaloacetic acid

c) Phosphoglycerate

d) Phosphoenolpyruvate
 Discussion

Carbonic
CO2 CO2+ H2O H++ HCO3-
Anhydrase

PEP PEP
OxaloAcetic Acid Carboxylase
NADPH
NADP+
Pyruvic acid Malic Acid / Aspartic acid

Plasmodesmata

Pyruvic acid
CO2
Calvin Vascular
cycle Bundle

RuBisCO
 Discussion

● Oxaloacetic acid is the primary CO2 fixation product in

the C4 pathway.
● Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate is the primary CO2 acceptor
in the Calvin cycle.
● Phosphoglycerate is the primary fixation product in the
Calvin cycle.
● Phosphoenolpyruvate is the primary CO2 acceptor in
the C4 cycle
17 Which of the following is the primary product
formed during CO2 fixation in the C4 pathway?

a) Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

b) Oxaloacetic acid

c) Phosphoglycerate

d) Phosphoenolpyruvate
18 Kranz anatomy is typically seen in which of the
following?

a. C2 plants

b. C4 plants

c. C3 plants

d. Both C3 and C4 plants

 Discussion

C4 plants such as cacti and orchids exhibit Kranz

anatomy, in which the bundle sheath cells
○ orm several layers around the vascular
bundles
○ have thick walls, no intercellular spaces to
prevent photolysis of water and accumulation
of oxygen.
○ has large number of agranal chloroplasts with
unstacked thylakoids
18 Kranz anatomy is typically seen in which of the
following?

a. C2 plants

b. C4 plants

c. C3 plants

d. Both C3 and C4 plants

 The number of equivalent molecules of ATP required to
19 produce one molecule of glucose in C4 plants is ________.

a. 39

b. 12

c. 18

d. 30
 Discussion
C3 Cycle
Per C atom fixed= 3 ATP
Total ATP
For 1 Molecule of glucose(6 C- Consumption
atoms) ⇒3x6=18 ATP
Per C atom fixed⇒
12 NADPH per glucose molecule 2+3=5 ATP
used
+ For 1 Molecule of
glucose(6 C-atoms)
C4 Cycle
Per C atom fixed= 2 ATP ⇒12+18= 30 ATP

For 1 Molecule of glucose(6 C- 12 NADPH per molecule

atoms) ⇒2x6=12 ATP of glucose used.

No net gain/loss of NADPH

 The number of equivalent molecules of ATP required to
19 produce one molecule of glucose in C4 plants is ________.

a. 39

b. 12

c. 18

d. 30
20 Which of the following is not a limiting factor for
photosynthesis?

a) Carbon dioxide

b) Oxygen

c) Light

d) Chlorophyll
 Discussion

● When several factors interact and simultaneously affect a process,

then anything in lower amounts that prevents photosynthesis
occurring at its maximum rate is called a limiting factor

Photosynthesis equation:

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide + Water Glucose + Oxygen
Chlorophyll

● Oxygen is not a limiting factor as it is not a requirement/

reactant but is released as a byproduct during photosynthesis.
20 Which of the following is not a limiting factor for
photosynthesis?

a) Carbon dioxide

b) Oxygen

c) Light

d) Chlorophyll
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