Pre-Lecture Photosynthesis Quiz

In our next class we will dive deep into the biochemical events that occur in Photosynthesis.  In order to be able to effectively engage with this "lecture" you will need to have a solid foundation in some background knowledge.  This assignment is designed to prepare you for the next class.  In order to attend the next class (lecture) you need to score at least an 85% on the Pre-Lecture Photosynthesis Quiz.

Objectives:  Before the next class session you should be able to:

1. accurately write the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis.
2. accurately identify the source of the reactants for photosynthesis.
3. accurately identify the entry points into the leaf of these reactants for photosynthesis.
4. generally discuss the structure and function (including internal tissues/cells) of a generalized plant leaf (as shown in the diagram provided).
5. visualize the transition from a leaf (macroscopic) to a cell and then into a chloroplast (microscopic);
6. describe the structure of a chloroplast (identify thylakoid membrane, granum, thylakoid space, and stroma);
7. describe the electromagnetic spectrum;
8. discuss the relationship between wavelength and energy in the electromagnetic spectrum;
9. define the term pigment;
10. identify the major pigment molecules found in plants;
11. describe the interactions that can occur between photons and pigment molecules; and
12. differentiate between an action spectrum and absorption spectrum.

The leaf is the major biosynthetic organ of a plant.  Just like your brain is an organ and has a specific and important function, the leaves of plants are organs and have specific and important functions.  

The diagram below provides a general overview of Photosynthesis.  In the coming days we are going to dive deep into the molecular (and even subatomic) events that occur during Photosynthesis.  But to get started we will look at the process at a larger level.  There is a version of this image that is even more interactive.  If you click on the image it should take you to the website where this diagram will come alive.  I'd encourage you to view this version.

Dive into a Leaf (by clicking on the leaf image).  Stop the animation once the audio narration begins