Models of photosynthesis | Biology | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

What is reactant A in the word summary of photosynthesis?

'water' ✓
What is product B in the word summary of photosynthesis?

'oxygen' ✓
What should be added to represent water in the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?

'6H20' ✓
What should be added to represent oxygen in the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?

'6O2' ✓
The diagram shows a simple, 2D model of a plant cell. In which subcellular structure does photosynthesis take place?

chloroplast ✓

mitochondrion

nucleus

vacuole
Chloroplasts contain a pigment called ______, to which the energy required for photosynthesis is transferred by light.

'chlorophyll' ✓

Exit quiz

A model contains __________ of the features and details of the real thing.

all

none

some ✓
This is a simple 2D model of the subcellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place. What is the name of this structure?

'chloroplast' ✓
A word summary is a simple model of photosynthesis. Complete the word summary.

'carbon dioxide' ✓
A balanced symbol equation is a simple model of photosynthesis. Complete the equation.

'6CO2' ✓
In the two-stage model of photosynthesis, which stage requires energy from light?

Both stages

Neither stage

Only the first stage ✓

Only the second stage
The first stage of photosynthesis splits water molecules into oxygen (a waste product) and ______ ions (which are used in the second stage).

'hydrogen' ✓

Worksheet

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Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

Models are used in science to explain things that can be difficult to see or understand.
The word summary and symbol equation for photosynthesis are simple models of the process.
Photosynthesis can also be summarised using a model of the two main stages.
In the first stage, energy from light is required to split water molecules into hydrogen and waste oxygen.
In the second stage, the hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to make glucose.

Common misconception

A common misconception is that photosynthesis is just one simple reaction, as depicted by the word equation and balanced symbol equation.

This explores the idea that the word equation and balanced symbol equation are useful but very simple models of photosynthesis, and also explores a slightly more detailed two-stage model of the process.

Keywords

Model - a simpler representation of a complex thing or idea
Photosynthesis - the process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions
Chloroplast - subcellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place
Prediction - a scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome, which could be tested in an experiment
Chlorophyll - green pigment in chloroplasts, to which energy is transferred by light