CAIE IGCSE Biology 6.1 Photosynthesis Questions

Practise defining photosynthesis, writing its equations and analysing investigations involving light, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, oxygen production and limiting factors.

Exam points

Define photosynthesis as using light energy to make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, and write the word or balanced chemical equation with correct products.
Explain the roles of chloroplasts and chlorophyll in absorbing and transferring light energy into chemical energy used to synthesise carbohydrates.
Explain how photosynthetic glucose is converted to starch, sucrose or cellulose, and how nitrate and magnesium ions support plant growth and chlorophyll production.
Interpret starch tests, gas-exchange experiments and light/dark indicator data to identify where photosynthesis occurs and how it relates to respiration.
Calculate or interpret photosynthesis rate and identify limiting factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, water supply or humidity.

Covered syllabus points

6.1.1—Photosynthesis as the process by which 6.1.2—Word equation for photosynthesis 6.1.3—Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is 6.1.4—Chlorophyll transfers energy 6.1.10—Photosynthesis equation 6.1.5—Subsequent use and storage 6.1.6—Importance of: (a) nitrate ions 6.1.7—Need for chlorophyll, light and carbon 6.1.8—Effects of varying light intensity 6.1.9—Effect of light and dark conditions on 6.1.11—Explain the limiting factors

[Maximum number: 1]

Which substance is used up in photosynthesis?

chlorophyll

light

oxygen

water

[Maximum number: 1]

The following can be used to write a word equation for photosynthesis.
1 carbon dioxide and water

2 light and chlorophyll
3 glucose and oxygen
Which shows a correct word equation for photosynthesis?

$1 \rightarrow 2$ in the presence of 3

$1 \rightarrow 3$ in the presence of 2

$2 \rightarrow 3$ in the presence of 1

$3 \rightarrow 1$ in the presence of 2

[Maximum number: 1]

Which structure contains the pigment that transfers energy from light into chemical energy?

chloroplast

mitochondrion

nucleus

ribosome

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3