Chapter No.

6 - Photosynthesis
1. Answer the following in “Yes” or “No”
(i). All parts of green plants carry out photosynthesis
Ans: No ,this is because photosynthetic pigment (called chlorophyll)
is required to carry out the process of photosynthesis & it is mainly
present in the leaves only.

(ii). All green parts of a plant carry out photosynthesis

Ans: Yes ,this is because green parts of the plants are provided with
photosynthetic pigment (called chlorophyll) which is one of the most
important raw material for the process of photosynthesis.

(iii). Photosynthesis is the only biological process that releases

oxygen into the air
Ans: Yes ,this statement is true.

(iv). Out of nine types of chlorophyll , chlorophyll a & b are the most
abundant.
Ans: Yes,this statement is true.

(v). Too much light destroys chlorophyll.

Ans: Yes,this is because chlorophyll is sensitive to sunlight and too
much sunlight destroys it. However, formation of chlorophyll
depends on the exposure of the plant to the light.

(vi). No transpiration occurs during photosynthesis.

Ans: No,this is because the process of transpiration(loss of water in
the form of water vapours occurs through the aerial parts of the
plants)occurs when the stomata opens for the passage of carbon
dioxide.

(vii). During sunlight the guard cells turn flaccid to open the stomata.
Ans: No,this is because during the day time chlorophyll containing
guard cells prepare the food (carbohydrate) & become turgid to allow
the stomatal pore to open.

Progress check
1. Write the overall summary chemical equation for photosynthesis.
Ans: Photosynthesis is a process by which the autotrophic
organisms(green plants) prepare their own food. It requires water,
sunlight, chlorophyll & carbon dioxide.The process of photosynthesis
is carried out in chloroplast.The summary chemical equation for
photosynthesis is given below-:

2. Which single substance in the above equation is repeated in raw

material as well as reproduced as an end product?
Ans: The substance that is repeated in raw material as well as
reproduced as an end product is water.
3. What is the source of oxygen released in photosynthesis - Carbon
dioxide or water?
Ans: The source of oxygen released in photosynthesis is water.

Photolysis is the breakdown of water molecules in the presence of

sunlight.It is mainly responsible for the liberation of oxygen during
the process of photosynthesis.

4. Dark reaction involves utilization of carbon dioxide in producing

glucose. Why is this phase called dark reaction?
Ans: This is because the reactions that take place during this phase
are independent of light.

5. What happens photolysis?

Ans:
Photolysis-:It is defined as the breakdown of water molecules in the
presence of sunlight.It is mainly responsible for the liberation of
oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.The process of
photolysis is given below-:

6. Glucose produced during photosynthesis is soon polymerised into

starch. What does polymerisation mean?
Ans: It is defined as the process during which monomers join
together to form a polymer. Starch is the polymer of glucose units.

7. Why is it better to call the dark phase of photosynthesis as “light

independent phase”?
Ans: This is because the chemical reactions during this phase are
independent of light.

Progress check

1. How do the following favours increased photosynthesis?

(i) Large surface area of the leaf
Ans: It favours the maximum absorption of light.More the absorption
more will the rate of photosynthesis.

(ii) Thinness of leaf

Ans: It reduces the distance between the cells & allows rapid
transport.

(iii) More numerous stomata

Ans: Large no. of stomata allows rapid exchange of gases(carbon
dioxide & oxygen). Greater the supply of carbon dioxide greater will
be the rate of photosynthesis.

2. Name the three end products of photosynthesis & mention the

fate of each of them in the plant.
Ans: The end products of photosynthesis are carbohydrate , oxygen
& water.
(i) Glucose is either consumed by plant cells immediately or stored in
the form of insoluble starch. Out of all some are also converted into
sucrose while some are used in synthesizing fats, proteins etc.

(ii) Water can be reutilized in the process of photosynthesis.

(iii) Some amount of oxygen is used in the respiration process by the
plants itself while most of it is released into the atmosphere which
acts as life supporter.

3. If we keep on increasing carbon dioxide concentration in the air ,

will the rate of photosynthesis also keep on increasing in direct
proportion? Yes or no. Explain?
Ans: No, this is not true.

Carbon dioxide is one of the most important external factor that

decides the rate of photosynthesis. As the concentration of carbon
dioxide increases the rate of photosynthesis will also increases but at
a certain extent , after achieving that point it gets stabilize & further
there will be no increase in the rate of photosynthesis.

Progress check
1. Why is it necessary to destarch the leaves of a plant before
performing an experiment on photosynthesis?
Ans: The leaves of plants are having starch in them. So, before we
using a plant in the photosynthesis experiment, the initial starch
present must be removed. This process is performed by keeping the
plant in a completely dark room for at least three days.

2. Why do we perform an iodine test?

Ans: Iodine test is performed to test the presence of starch in
leaves.The presence of starch can be indicated by blue-black colour
as soon as we pour the iodine solution on the surface of the leaves.

3. What chemical do you use to remove carbon dioxide from inside a

flask in certain experiments on photosynthesis?
Ans: Potassium hydroxide.

4. All food chain starts with a plant.Why is this so?

Ans: This is because plants are the producers , all the animals on the
earth totally depend upon them for their nourishment in the direct
or indirect manner.

5. The honey bee produces honey. In terms of the food chain , is the
honey bee a producer or a consumer?
Ans: Honey bees are the consumer , this is because like the plants
they can not prepare their own food rather they suck the nectar
from the plants & then prepare the honey from it.

A. Multiple Choice Type-:

1. The production of starch, and not glucose, is often used as a
measure of photosynthesis in leaves because
a) Starch is the immediate product of photosynthesis.
b) Glucose formed in photosynthesis soon gets converted into starch.
c) Starch is soluble in water.
d) Sugar cannot be tested.
Ans: Correct answer is (b) glucose formed in photosynthesis soon
gets converted into starch.

2. The number of water molecules required in the chemical reactions

to produce one molecule of glucose during photosynthesis is-:
a) Six
b) Twelve
c) Eighteen
d) Twentyfour
Ans: Correct answer is (a) Six. The chemical equation for
photosynthesis is given below-:

3. The rate of photosynthesis is not affected by-:

a) light intensity
b) humidity
c) temperature
d) carbon dioxide concentration
Ans: Correct answer is(b) humidity.

4. Chlorophyll in a leaf is required for

a) breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen
b) emitting green light
c) trapping light energy
d) storing starch in the leaves
Ans: Correct answer is (c) trapping light energy.

Photosynthesis is a process by which the autotrophic

organisms(green plants) prepare their own food. It requires water,
sunlight, chlorophyll & carbon dioxide. Chlorophyll is the
photosynthetic pigment that traps the sun-light.

5. If the rate of respiration becomes more than the rate of

photosynthesis, plants will:
a) continue to live, but will not be able to store food.
b) be killed instantly.
c) grow more vigorously because more energy will be available.
d) stop growing and die gradually of starvation.
Ans: Correct answer is (d) stop growing and die gradually of
starvation.This is because due to access to the rate of respiration the
plant is not able to store food and eventually it will die due to
starvation.

6. Which one chemical reaction occurs during photosynthesis?

a) Carbon dioxide is reduced and water is oxidized.
b) Water is reduced and carbon dioxide is oxidized.
c) Both carbon dioxide and water are oxidized.
d) Both carbon dioxide and water are reduced.
Ans: Correct answer is (a) Carbon dioxide is reduced and water is
oxidized.
Reduction is the process which involves the gain of the electrons
while oxidation is the loss of electrons. Photosynthesis is the process
by which plants prepare their own by using water , carbon dioxide ,
sunlight & chlorophyll. During this process carbon dioxide is
converted into carbohydrates by the process of reduction & water
gets oxidised.

7. The specific function of light energy in the process of

photosynthesis is to:
a) reduce carbon dioxide
b) synthesize glucose
c) activate chlorophyll
d) split water molecule
Ans: Correct answer is (c) activate chlorophyll.

8. A plant is kept in a dark cupboard for about 48 hours before

conducting any experiment on photosynthesis in order to
a) remove chlorophyll from the leaves.
b) remove starch from the leaves
c) ensure that no photosynthesis occurs.
d) ensure that the leaves are free from starch
Ans: Correct answer is (b) to remove starch from the leaves.

9. During photosynthesis the oxygen in glucose comes from-:

a) carbon dioxide
b) oxygen via air
c) water
d) both carbon dioxide and water
Ans: Correct answer is (a) carbon dioxide.
B. Very Short Answer Type

1. Name the following

a) The category of organisms that prepare their own food from basic
raw materials.
Ans: Autotrophs , the example includes green plants & certain
photosynthesizing bacteria.

b) The kind of plastids found in the mesophyll cells of the leaf.

Ans: Chlorophyll

c) The compound which stores energy in the cells.

Ans: The energy is stored in the form of ATP that stands for
adenosine triphosphate.

d) The first form of food substance produced during photosynthesis.

Ans: The first form of food substance produced during
photosynthesis is glucose that is later on can be stored in the form of
starch in plants.

e) The source of carbon dioxide for aquatic plants.

Ans: The source of carbon dioxide for aquatic plants is respiration.

f) The part of chloroplast where the dark reaction of photosynthesis

takes place.
Ans: The part of chloroplast where the dark reaction/ light
independent reaction of photosynthesis takes place is stroma.
2. Given below are groups of terms. In each group the first pair
indicates the relationship between the two terms.Complete the
second pair accordingly.
(a) Chlorophyll : Magnesium : Haemoglobin : _______
Ans: Chlorophyll : Magnesium : Haemoglobin : Iron.

It is present in the ferrous form.

(b) Light reaction : Granum : Dark reaction : ________

Ans: Light reaction : Granum : Dark reaction : Stroma.

Photosynthesis is mainly divided into two phases. The dark reaction/

light independent reaction of photosynthesis takes place is stroma.

(c) Producers : Autotrophs : Consumers :_________

Ans: Producers : Autotrophs : Consumers : Heterotrophs.

Heterotrophs directly or indirectly depend upon producers for their

nutritional requirements. The example includes humans.

(d) Respiration : Carbon dioxide : Photosynthesis : _______

Ans: Respiration : Carbon dioxide : Photosynthesis : Oxygen.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants prepare their own by

using water , carbon dioxide , sunlight & chlorophyll. During this
process carbon dioxide is converted into carbohydrates by the
process of reduction & oxygen is released as by product.

(e) Water & Minerals : Xylem :Prepared food : ________

Ans: Water & Minerals : Xylem :Prepared food : Phloem.
Xylem conducts water and minerals from roots to upper parts of the
plant, while Phloem transports food prepared in the leaf to roots and
other parts of the plant.

C. Short Answer Type-:

1. Identify the false statements and rewrite them correctly by

changing the first or the last word only.
(a) Dark reactions of photosynthesis occur during night time.
Ans: This statement is false , dark reaction of photosynthesis are not
dependent on light, hence the name is called dark reaction.

(b) Photosynthesis requires enzyme

Ans: This statement is true.

(c) Green plants are consumers.

Ans: This statement is false , green plants are producers.

(d) Photosynthesis results in loss of dry weight of the plants

Ans: This statement is false, photosynthesis results in an increase in
weight of plants.
(e) Photosynthesis stops at temperature of about 35 degree celsius
Ans: This statement is false , photosynthesis stops at a temperature
of about 40°C

(f) Photosynthesis occurs only in cells containing chloroplasts

Ans: This statement is true.

(g) Green plants perform photosynthesis.

Ans: This statement is true.

(h) Algae are autotrophs.

Ans: This statement is true.

2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate answer from the choices
given in the brackets-:
(a) The site of light reaction in the cells of a leaf is………… (cytoplasm,
stroma, grana).
Ans: The site of light reaction in the cells of a leaf is grana.
Photosynthesis is mainly divided into two phases.The light reaction
of photosynthesis occurs in grana & the dark reaction/ light
independent reaction of photosynthesis takes place is stroma.

(b) The chemical substance used to test the presence of starch in the
cell of a leaf is.............. (calcium chloride, iodine solution, benedict
solution).
Ans: The chemical substance used to test the presence of starch in
the cell of a leaf is iodine solution.

The presence of starch can be indicated by blue-black colour as soon

as we pour the iodine solution on the surface of the leaves.

(c) Stroma is the ground substance in......... (cytoplasm, chloroplast,

ribosomes).
Ans: Stroma is the ground substance in chloroplast.

(d) The dark reaction of photosynthesis is known as…………. (Hill

reaction, cyclic phosphorylation Calvin cycle).
Ans: The dark reaction of photosynthesis is known as Calvin cycle

(e) In the flowering plants food is transported in the form of………….

(Sucrose , Glucose , Starch).
Ans: In the flowering plants food is transported in the form of
sucrose.The conducting tissue for the process of transportation of
food in plants is phloem.
3. Are the following statements true or false? Give reason in support
of your answer.
(a) The rate of photosynthesis continues to rise as long as the
intensity of light rises.
Ans: This statement is false.

The rate of photosynthesis increases with the increase in light

intensity but to a certain extent only and it gets stabilised, but too
much of light intensity also destroys chlorophyll and reduces
photosynthesis.

(b) The outside atmospheric temperature has no effect on the rate of

photosynthesis.
Ans: This statement is false.

Temperature is one of the most important factor that affects the

rate of photosynthesis. Everytime an increase in temperature of
about 10 degree upto the optimum temperature (35°C) doubles the
rate of photosynthesis.

c) If you immerse a leaf intact on the plant in ice cold water, it will
continue to photosynthesize in bright sunshine.
Ans: This statement is false.

This is because photosynthesis is an enzyme dependent reaction

which requires an optimum temperature. In an ice cold water, the
low temperature does not favour the process of photosynthesis.
(d) Destarching of the leaves of a potted plant can occur only at
night.
Ans: This statement is false.

One can perform it in the daytime too. All you need is darkness only
so that plants are unable to perform the photosynthesis.

(e) If a plant is kept in bright light all the 24 hours for a few days the
dark reaction (biosynthetic phase) will fail to occur.
Ans:

(f) Photosynthesis is considered as a process supporting all life on

earth.
Ans: This statement is true.

All the animals on the earth depend upon the plants in the direct or
the indirect manner for their nourishment. Herbivores depend
directly on plants and the carnivores feeding on animals which
depends on plants for their nourishment.

4. Given below are five terms. Rewrite the terms in the correct order
so as to be in list sequence with regard to photosynthesis: (i) water
molecules, (ii) oxygen, (iii) grana(iv) hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, (v)
photons.
Ans: Photosynthesis is a process by which the autotrophic
organisms(green plants) prepare their own food. It requires water,
sunlight, chlorophyll & carbon dioxide.The process of photosynthesis
is carried out in chloroplast.
The correct sequence with regard to photosynthesis is-:

Photons → Grana → Water molecules → Hydrogen & hydroxyl ions →

Oxygen

5. State any four differences between photosynthesis and

respiration.
Ans:

Photosynthesis Respiration

1. It is an anabolic process. 1. It is a catabolic process.

2.This process takes place 2.This process takes place both in the
only in the presence of presence as well in the absence of
sunlight. sunlight.

3. Oxygen is produced as a by- 3. The main requirement for this

product. process is oxygen.

4. It takes place in green 4. It takes place in all the living

plants only. organisms.

6. Complete the following food chains by writing the names or

appropriate organisms in the blanks.
(a) Grass ………………….. Snake …………………………….
(b) …………… Mouse…………………… Peacock
Ans:
Food chain is defined as the sequence of transfer of matter and
energy in the form of food from organism to organism.

(a) Grass → Grasshopper → Snake → Hawk

(b) Grass → Mouse → Snake → Peacock

7. How do non-green plants such as fungi and bacteria obtain their

nourishment?
Ans: The non-green plants such as fungi and bacteria do not have
chlorophyll. Therefore, they can't prepare their food themselves.
They depend upon the others for their nourishment, thus called
heterotrophs.

Bacteria and fungi get their nourishment from dead decaying organic
matter.Hence , they are called saprophytes.

8. All life owes its existence to chlorophyll. Give a reason.

Ans: Chlorophyll is that molecule that absorbs sunlight and uses its
energy to synthesise carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.
This process is understood as photosynthesis, it is the basis for
sustaining the life processes of all plants since animals and humans
obtain their food supply by eating plants only.

9. Complete the following by filling in the blanks 1 to 5 with

appropriate
words/terms/phrases:
To test the leaf for starch, the leaf is boiled in water to …………… (1). It
is next boiled in methylated spirit to ……………………. (2) The leaf is
placed in warm water to soften it. It is then placed in a dish and
……………………. (3) solution is added. The region, which contains
starch, turns ……………. (4) and the region, which does not contain
starch, turns ……………………(5)
Ans: To test the leaf for starch, the leaf is boiled in water to kill the
cells (1). It is next boiled in methylated spirit to remove chlorophyll
(2) The leaf is placed in warm water to soften it. It is then placed in a
dish and iodine (3) solution is added. The region, which contains
starch, turns blue black (4) and the region, which does not contain
starch, turns brown (5)

10. “Oxygen is a waste product of photosynthesis.” Comment.

Ans: Oxygen is evolved as a by-product of photosynthesis. Some part
of it is utilized in the process of respiration, while a major part of it is
diffused into the atmosphere. The aim of photosynthesis is to
produce food only, not oxygen. Hence, it is considered as a waste
product of photosynthesis. But in reality it is not a waste product
because it is necessary for maintaining the life of all the living
organisms on mother earth.

D. Descriptive type-:
1. Define the following terms:
a)Photosynthesis
Ans: Photosynthesis is a process by which the autotrophic
organisms(green plants) prepare their own food. It requires water,
sunlight, chlorophyll & carbon dioxide.The process of photosynthesis
is carried out in chloroplast.

b) Thylakoids
Ans: It is defined as the membrane bound compartments inside the
chloroplast that acts as the site of photochemical reactions that take
place during the process of photosynthesis.

c) Chloroplast
Ans: It is the double membranous bound cell organelle that acts as
the site of photosynthesis.

d) Photolysis of water
Ans: It is defined as the breakdown of water molecules in the
presence of sunlight.It is mainly responsible for the liberation of
oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.

e) Polymerization
Ans: It is defined as the process during which monomers join
together to form a polymer. Starch is the polymer of glucose units.

2. Photosynthesis in green plants is directly and indirectly dependent

on so many plant structures. Explain briefly the role of the following
structures in this process.
a) Guard cells ………………..
Ans: Guard cells are located in the leaf epidermis. A pair of guard
cells surround and form stomatal pores. Guard cells control the rates
of diffusion of gases by controlling the size of the stomata.

b) Cuticle ……………….
Ans: It is the waxy layer that prevents the excess loss of water.

c) Mesophyll cells ……………………

Ans: Chloroplast are contained in the mesophyll cells found
between the upper epidermis and lower epidermis.

d) Xylem tissue in the leaf veins ………………….

Ans: It is one of the important conducting tissues of the plant that is
helpful in transport of water & minerals from the roots to all parts of
the plant.

e) Phloem tissue in the leaf veins ……………………..

Ans: It is another conducting tissue of the plant that is responsible
for transport of food from leaves to the other parts of the plant.

f) Stomata ……………………….
Ans: Stomata are the tiny pores present on the surface of
leaves.Their main function is the exchange of gases.They allows the
plant to take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen for
photosynthesis.

3. Give reason / Explain:

a) It is necessary to place a plant in the dark before starting an
experiment on photosynthesis?
Ans: It is necessary to place a plant in the dark before starting an
experiment on photosynthesis to destarch the plant so that the
experiment provides accurate results.

b) It is not possible to demonstrate respiration in a green plant kept

in sunlight
Ans: It is not possible to demonstrate respiration in a green plant
kept in sunlight because during the day time green plants utilize the
carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis.So there is no carbon
dioxide liberation hence, no respiration demonstration.

c) Most leaves have the upper surface more green and shiny than the
lower one.
Ans: In most of the cases, the upper surface of the leaf is in direct
contact towards the sunlight. The photosynthetic pigment
chlorophyll has a tendency to trap light energy for photosynthesis.
Therefore, the upper surface of leaves appear shiny and more green
due to more quantity of chlorophyll in the upper surface of the
leaves.

d) During the starch test the leaf is -:

i) Boiled in water
Ans: To test the leaf for starch, the leaf is boiled in water to kill the
cells.

ii) Boiled in methylated spirit

Ans: To remove the chlorophyll.
4. Distinguish the following pairs on the basis of words indicated in
the bracts-:
a) Light reaction & dark reaction (end products)
Ans:

Light reaction Dark reaction

1. The end products of light reaction 1. The end product of dark

are oxygen , ATP & NADPH. reaction is glucose.

b) Producers & consumers (organisms)

Ans:

Producers Consumers

1. The organisms that can 1. The living organisms that can not
prepare their own food are prepare their own food are called
called producers. consumers.

2.The example includes-: green 2.The example includes-:human

plants. beings.

c) Grass & grasshopper (mode of nutrition)

Ans:

Grass Grasshopper

1. The mode of nutrition in grass 1. The mode of nutrition in

is autotrophic due to the grasshoppers is
presence of photosynthetic heterotrophic ,they depend upon
pigment chlorophyll. producers for their nourishment.

d) Stoma & stroma (structure)

Ans:
 Stoma Stroma

1. Stomata/Stoma are the tiny pores 1. It is the protein rich fluid

present on the surface of leaves, that is present inside the
guarded by two guard cells that help chloroplast in which
in exchange of gases. thylakoids are suspended.

5. How would you demonstrate that green plants release oxygen

when exposed to light?
Ans:
Aim-: To prove or demonstrate that green plants release oxygen
when exposed to light.

Requirement-:Test tube, beaker, funnel, hydrilla plant etc.

Procedure-:
1.Took some water plant like-hydrilla & place that in a beaker that
contains pond water and cover them by a short stemmed funnel.

2.Invert a test-tube full of water over the stem of the fennel.

3.Place the apparatus in the sunlight for a few hours.

Observation-: Bubbles of the gas appear that can be collected in the

test tube.

One can test the gas in the test tube by putting a glowing splint into
it, which will burst into flame proving that green plants release
oxygen when exposed to sunlight.

6. Describe the main chemical changes which occur during

photosynthesis in: (i) Light reaction
Ans: It is the first phase of photosynthesis.The chemical changes that
takes place during light reaction are-:

1.Activation of chlorophyll: Photons of light energy are trapped and

activate the chlorophyll.

2. Photolysis of water-: The water splits in the presence of light

energy to release into molecules of hydrogen, oxygen and the
electrons. Hydrogen is used to reduce NADP and electrons are used
in ATP production, while Oxygen is released as a byproduct.

a) Reduction of NADP-: The molecules of NADP are reduced to

NADPH by H+ ions.
2

b) Formation of ATP-: ADP combines with inorganic phosphate in the

presence of light & gives rise to ATP.

ADP + iP→ ATP

3. (ii) Dark reaction-: It is the second phase of photosynthesis. The

chemical changes that takes place during dark reaction are-:

1. Function of CO : The CO in the leaves combines with a five-carbon

2 2

containing compound ribulose diphosphate and forms an unstable 6-

carbon compound. This unstable compound splits into two molecules
of 3-carbon containing compound phosphoglyceric acid (PGA). It is
the first stable product that is formed during photosynthesis.

2. Formation of sugar. In the presence of ATP and NADPH the 2

phosphoglyceric acid is converted into phosphoglyceraldehyde

(PGAL) which is further converted into glucose.

3. Regeneration of RuDP. phosphoglyceric acid undergoes a series of

reactions to produce ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP).
The dark reaction is completed in multi-reactions. The series of all
reactions during this phase is called the Calvin cycle.

E. Structured/Application/Skill Type-:
1.Given below is schematic diagram to illustrate some aspects of
photosynthesis-:

a) Fill up the gaps, in blank spaces (1-4), by writing the names of the
correct items.
Ans:

Numb
Name
er

1 Photon

2 NADP

3 NADPH
2
 4 CH O
6 12 6

b) What phenomena do the thick arrows A and B indicate

respectively?
Ans: The arrows A & B indicate the polymerization.

It is defined as the process during which monomers join together to

form a polymer.

2. Given below the representation of a certain phenomenon in

nature, with four organisms 1-4-:

(a) Name the phenomenon represented

Ans: The phenomenon that is represented by the above diagram is
the Food chain.

(b) Name any one organism that could be shown at No. 5

Ans: The organism that can be shown at no.5 is eagle.
(c) Name the biological process which was the starting point of the
whole chain
Ans: The starting point of the whole food chain is photosynthesis.

(d) Name one natural element which all the organisms 2-4 and even 5
are getting from 1 for their survival.
Ans: Carbon in the form of carbohydrates.

3. A potted plant was taken in order to prove a factor necessary for

photosynthesis. The potted plant was kept in the dark for 24 hours.
One of the leaves was covered with black paper in the centre. The
potted plant was then placed in sunlight for a few hours.Observe the
diagram & answer the question

(a) What aspect of photosynthesis was being tested?

Ans: Sunlight or chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.
(b) Why was the plant placed in the dark before beginning the
experiment?
Ans: To destarch the plant.

(c) During the starch test why was the leaf

(1) boiled in water
Ans: To test the leaf for starch, the leaf is boiled in water to kill the
cells.

(2) boiled in methylated spirit.

Ans: To remove the chlorophyll.

(d) Write a balanced chemical equation to represent the process of

photosynthesis
Ans: The equation for photosynthesis is-:

6CO + 6H O → C H O + 6O
2 2 6 12 6 2

(e) Draw a neat diagram of a chloroplast and label its parts

Ans:
4. Given below is the diagram of an experimental set-up-:

(a) What is the purpose of this experiment?

Ans: The objective of this experiment is to prove that carbon dioxide
is necessary for photosynthesis.
(b) Will it work satisfactorily? Give reason
Ans: No, the experiment will not work satisfactorily because the
beaker contains lime water which does not absorb carbon dioxide.

(c) What alteration(s) will you make in it to obtain the expected

result?
Ans: One can use potassium hydroxide in order to obtain the
expected results.

(d) Would you take any step before starting the experiment? Describe
this step and explain its necessity.
Ans: Destarch the plant. One can perform this by keeping the plant in
a completely dark room for at least three days.It is necessary to
obtain the accurate results.

5. Draw a neat diagram of the stomatal apparatus found in the

epidermis of leaves and label the Stoma, Guard cells, Chloroplast,
Epidermal cells, Cell wall and Nucleus.
Ans:
6. The diagram below shows two test-tubes A and B. Test-tube A
contains a green water plant. Test-tube B contains both a green
water plant and a snail. Both Test-tubes are kept in sunlight. Answer
the questions that follow

(a) Name the physiological process that releases the bubbles of

oxygen.
Ans: Photosynthesis
(b) Explain the physiological process as mentioned above in Q.2 (a)(i).
Ans: Photosynthesis is a process by which the autotrophic organisms
(green plants) prepare their own food. It requires water, sunlight,
chlorophyll & carbon dioxide.The process of photosynthesis is carried
out in chloroplast

(c) What is the purpose of keeping a snail in test-tube 'B'?

Ans: Carbon dioxide released by the snail during respiration is
employed by the plant for photosynthesis. This increases the speed
of photosynthesis within the plant placed in tube B. This also
suggests that both respiration and photosynthesis are
complementary processes to take care of the concentration of
oxygen and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere.

(d) Why does test-tube 'B' have more bubbles of oxygen?

Ans: In test tube B, plant as well as snail is kept. The plant in tube B
has more concentration of carbon dioxide available because the snail
releases the carbon dioxide during the respiration that increases the
speed of photosynthesis in the plant placed in test Tube B which
leads to the release of more oxygen that appears in the form of
bubbles.

(e) Given an example of a water plant that can be used in the above
experiment.
Ans: Hydrilla verticillata

(f) Write the overall chemical equation for the above process
Ans: The equation for photosynthesis is-:
6CO + 6H O → C H O + 6O
2 2 6 12 6 2

Answer the following in simply “Yes” or “No”-:

1. Chlorophyll & chloroplast are the same thing.
Ans: No

This is because chloroplast is the double membrane bound cell

organelle whereas chlorophyll is the photosynthetic pigment.

2. Oxygen given out in the photosynthesis comes from the

atmosphere.
Ans: No ,Oxygen given out in the photosynthesis comes from the
water.

3. Photosynthesis can also occur in artificial light such as that of a

100 watt electric bulb.
Ans: Yes

4. All the starch produced in a leaf remains stored in it for 2-3 weeks
before it is used by the other parts of the plant.
Ans: No

Starch remains stored in the leaf for 2-3 days only.It is used by plants
as soon as it stops the production of food by the process of
photosynthesis.
5. Photosynthesis requires involvement of enzymes.
Ans: Yes

6. Plant requires several nutrients such as nitrogen, sulphur & iron.

Ans: Yes

7. Every green plant produces glucose as well as proteins & many

other compounds.
Ans: Yes

8. All green plants are categorized as consumers.

Ans: No, this is because green plants can prepare their own food by
the process of photosynthesis hence comes under the category of
producers.