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Chapter 8, Energy and Life

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Chapter Test Scheduled for 9 March.

A. Read pages 201-203.  Due 23 February .
Terms & Concepts: Understand the definition of energy as the ability to do work and the distinction between potential and kinetic energy. Be able to relate these concepts to the energy requirements of cells and organisms. Appreciate that organisms have different strategies for obtaining energy. In particular, understand the difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms and be able to give specific examples of each. Know the role that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) plays as the cell's energy molecule. Be able to recognize its molecular structure and explain the storage of chemical energy in the covalent bonds between the phosphate groups. Know the relationship between ATP and ADP in terms of energy storage and energy release. Be able to describe specific examples of cell processes that depend on ATP as a source of energy.

Questions pages 217-218: 1, 2, 11-14.

B. Read pages 204-207. Due 25 February.

Terms & Concepts: Understand the general concept of the process of photosynthesis as the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into complex organic compounds using light as a source of energy. Appreciate the significance of the experiments of van Helment, Priestley, and Ingenhousz to our modern understanding of the process of photosynthesis. Be able to write the complete balanced equation for photosynthesis. You need to understand how the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis ultimately are derived from water and carbon dioxide. Appreciate that this is accomplished using pigments such as chlorophyll that transform light energy into chemical energy. Be able to interpret the absorption spectrum graph on page 207 and relate it to the efficiency of different light waves (colors) to run the reactions of photosynthesis.

Questions pages 217-218: 4-6, 15-17.

C. Read pages 208-211. Due 27 February.

Terms & Concepts:  Understand that the process of photosynthesis takes place in two distinctly different but closely related stages, the light dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (also known as the light independent reactions). Use the diagram on page 209 to see these relationships. Use the diagram on page 208 to review the structure of the chloroplast. In particular recall the double membrane structure of the chloroplast and the stacks of thylakoid membranes in the interior of the organelle. Appreciate that the pigments, enzymes, and other molecules associated with the light dependent reactions are organized into groups called photosystems on the surface of the thylakoid membranes. Included in these membranes are electron carrier molecules that move high energy electrons from place to place in the cell. NADP is an important example.

Use the outline on page 210 and the diagram on page 211 to understand the sequence of events in the light dependent reactions. Keep in mind that the function of these reactions is to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and  NADPH (from NADP). In particular understand the following:
  • The role water plays in the replacement of electrons lost by chlorophyll in photosystem II and the production of oxygen gas as a by product.
  • The role of electron transport molecules to move hight energy electrons released by photosystem II to molecules that actively transport hydrogen ions from the stroma into the inner thylakoid space (also called the lumen). 
  • The role of  photosystem I to use high energy electrons to convert NADP into NADPH.
  • The use of the hydrogen ions pumped into the lumen to produce ATP by the enzyme ATP synthase.
  • The ATP and NADPH produced in the light dependent reaction are used as the source of energy for the light independent reactions (the Calvin cycle).
 Questions pages 217-218: 18-20 24..

D. Read pages 221-214. Due 2 March.

Terms & Concepts: Use the diagram on page 212 and the outline on page 213 to understand the sequence of events in the Calvin cycle. In particular understand the following points:
  • Recall that the energy that runs the Calvin cycle was produced in the light dependent reactions.
  • The carbon dioxide fixes with six 5 carbon molecules which then split into twelve 3 carbon molecules.
  • These twelve 3 carbon molecules recombine into one molecule of glucose (six carbons) and regenerate the original six 5 carbon molecules starting the cycle over again.
  • The glucose sugar produced by photosynthesis is usually converted to larger more complex molecules such as starch, lipids, and amino acids.
Be able to describe some of the abiotic factors that influence the efficiency of photosynthesis including temperature, water, and light intensity. Be aware of some of the adaptations in leaf structure and root systems that plants use to cope with environmental stress.

Questions pages 217-218: 21-23, 26, 27..

E. Due 4 March.  Questions pages 217-218: 28-30.

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