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  • IB Biology
    • Syllabus
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    • Practical scheme of work >
      • Practical activities (Labs)
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  • Core
    • 1. Cell biology >
      • 1.1 Introduction to cells
      • 1.2 Ultrastructure of cells
      • 1.3 Membrane structure
      • 1.4 Membrane transport
      • 1.5 The origin of cells
      • 1.6 Cell division
    • 2. Molecular biology >
      • 2.1 Molecules to metabolism
      • 2.2 Water
      • 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids
      • 2.4 Proteins
      • 2.5 Enzymes
      • 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA
      • 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation
      • 2.8 Cell respiration
      • 2.9 Photosynthesis
    • 3. Genetics >
      • 3.1 Genes
      • 3.2 Chromosomes
      • 3.3 Meiosis
      • 3.4 Inheritance
      • 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
    • 4. Ecology >
      • 4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
      • 4.2 Energy flow
      • 4.3 Carbon cycling
      • 4.4 Climate change
    • 5. Evolution and biodiversity >
      • 5.1 Evidence for evolution
      • 5.2 Natural selection
      • 5.3 Classification of biodiversity
      • 5.4 Cladistics
    • 6. Human physiology >
      • 6.1 Digestion and absorption
      • 6.2 The blood system
      • 6.3 Defence against infectious disease
      • 6.4 Gas exchange
      • 6.5 Neurons and synapses
      • 6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
  • Additional higher level (AHL)
    • 7. Nucleic acids >
      • 7.1 DNA structure and replication
      • 7.2 Transcription and gene expression
      • 7.3 Translation
    • 8. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis >
      • 8.1 Metabolism
      • 8.2 Cell respiration
      • 8.3 Photosynthesis
    • 9. Plant biology >
      • 9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants
      • 9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants
      • 9.3 Growth in plants
      • 9.4 Reproduction in plants
    • 10. Genetics and evolution >
      • 10.1 Meiosis
      • 10.2 Inheritance
      • 10.3 Gene pools and speciation
    • 11. Animal physiology >
      • 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
      • 11.2 Movement
      • 11.3 The kidney and osmoregulation
      • 11.4 Sexual reproduction
  • Options
    • A. Neurobiology and behaviour >
      • A.1 Neural development
      • A.2 The human brain
      • A.3 Perception of stimuli
      • A.4 Innate and learned behaviour (AHL)
      • A.5 Neuropharmacology (AHL)
      • A.6 Ethology (AHL)
    • B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics
    • C. Ecology and conservation >
      • C.1 Species and communities
      • C.2 Communities and ecosystems
      • C.3 Impacts of humans on ecosystems
      • C.4 Conservation of biodiversity
      • C.5 Population ecology (AHL)
      • C.6 Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles (AHL)
    • D. Human physiology
  • BISV Revision
  • Giving back - BioKQQAnswers

Essential idea: Light energy is converted into chemical energy.

The images above show Photosystem II and Photosystem I. These protein complexes contain a number of chlorophyll and other pigments which allow them to absorb light energy. The photosystems use light energy to excite electrons and split water molecules freeing hydrogen ions (Photosystem II only). These two process provide the energy and some of the key ingredients required to produce glucose.

Understandings, applications and skills

8.3.U1 Light-dependent reactions take place in the intermembrane space of the thylakoids.
8.3.U2 Light-independent reactions take place in the stroma.
8.3.U3 Reduced NADP and ATP are produced in the light-dependent reactions.
8.3.U4 Absorption of light by photosystems generates excited electrons.
8.3.U5 Photolysis of water generates electrons for use in the light-dependent reactions.
8.3.U6 Transfer of excited electrons occurs between carriers in thylakoid membranes.
8.3.U7 Excited electrons from Photosystem II are used to contribute to generate a proton gradient.
8.3.U8 ATP synthase in thylakoids generates ATP using the proton gradient.
8.3.U9 Excited electrons from Photosystem I are used to reduce NADP.
8.3.U10 In the light-independent reactions a carboxylase catalyses the carboxylation of ribulose bisphosphate.
8.3.U11 Glycerate 3-phosphate is reduced to triose phosphate using reduced NADP and ATP.
8.3.U12 Triose phosphate is used to regenerate RuBP and produce carbohydrates.
8.3.U13 Ribulose bisphosphate is reformed using ATP.
8.3.U14 The structure of the chloroplast is adapted to its function in photosynthesis.
8.3.A1 Calvin’s experiment to elucidate the carboxylation of RuBP.
8.3.S1 Annotation of a diagram to indicate the adaptations of a chloroplast to its function.
[Text in square brackets indicates guidance notes]

Starters

Two fun musical introductions from Mr W on the light and light independent reactions of photosynthesis.

Presentation and notes

The presentation is designed to help your understanding. The notes outline is intended to be used as a framework for the development of student notes to aid revision.

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Vocabulary

Correct use of terminology is a key skill in Biology. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary.

Activities

Meet the membrane - party with the Thylakoids
Once students are familiar with the light dependent reactions. They can play 'meet the membrane'. One student is a party host who greets arrivals. The other students play the part of structures or molecules involved in the light dependent reactions. Choose from:
  • Thylakoid membrane
  • Photosystem I
  • Photosystem II
  • Electron carriers
  • Ferredoxin
  • ATP synthase
  • ATP (or ADP)
  • NADP+ (or NADPH)
  • Hydrogen ions
  • Thylakoid lumen/space
  • Electrons
  • Water
  • Stroma

Extension: once molecules and structures can easily be identified the game can be made more by giving each student a list of key terms they cannot use when introducing themselves.
Crossword
Can you complete this crossword puzzle (thanks to L Stanley) on photosynthesis?


Quick quiz

Quick quiz Use the BioK Quick Quiz on 8.3 Photosynthesis AHL (as directed) to check your understanding of the topic.

Weblinks

Chloroplast structure
The busy leaf by FTExploring is a good introduction and nicely links structure of the leaf to function

Photosynthesis (overview)
Photosynthesis by the University of Illinois (lecture notes and nice diagrams)
Photosynthesis by Interactive concepts in biochemistry
Photosynthesis by National Louis University (lecture notes)
Photosynthesis by McGraw and Hill (great narrated animation)

Light Dependent reactions
Harvesting light by Sunamas Inc.
An animation of the light dependent reactions by Mr Brown (not annotated - possible student activity)
Light reactions in photosynthesis by Smith University
Light reactions by John Kyrk
Photosynthesis - light dependent reactions by St Olaf College
Visualisation of Photosynthesis from NDVirtualCell
Photosynthesis: light reactions by Khan Academy
Photosynthesis: light reactions and photophosphorylation by Khan Academy
Photosynthesis electron transport and ATP synthesis by McGraw and Hill (relates cell structures to function)

Light Independent reactions
Carbon fixation in photosynthesis by Smith University

Biosynthetic reactions by John Kyrk
Photosynthesis: Calvin cycle by Khan Academy
Calvin cycle by McGraw and Hill

Nature's smallest factory: the Calvin cycle by TED ed

Nature of science

Developments in scientific research follow improvements in apparatus—sources of 14C and autoradiography enabled Calvin to elucidate the pathways of carbon fixation. (1.8) [linked to 8.3.A1 - details in the presentation]

Theory of knowledge

The lollipop experiment used to work out the biochemical details of the Calvin cycle shows considerable creativity. To what extent is the creation of an elegant protocol similar to the creation of a work of art?
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