Photosynthesis Quiz

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and cyanobacteria convert light energy into chemical energy necessary for metabolism. This process typically involves oxygenic photosynthesis, where water is split, producing oxygen as a byproduct. Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.

In the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll pigments absorb light in the thylakoid membranes, exciting electrons that travel through an electron transport chain to generate ATP and NADPH. Water molecules are split in this process, releasing oxygen, protons, and electrons through photolysis. Chlorophyll primarily absorbs red and blue wavelengths, reflecting green light, which gives plants their characteristic color.

The Calvin cycle, also called the light-independent reactions, takes place in the chloroplast stroma. It uses ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent stage to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds like ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), which are then converted into glucose and other sugars through reduction reactions. This free quiz covers key topics such as chlorophyll’s role, inputs and outputs of each reaction stage, and the biochemical pathways involved in photosynthesis.

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What the quiz asks

1. What pigment do plants primarily use to absorb light for photosynthesis?
2. During the light-dependent reactions, what molecule is split to release oxygen?
3. What two main energy carriers are produced by the light-dependent reactions?
4. Where in a plant cell do the light-dependent reactions take place?
5. What is the main gas fixed during the Calvin cycle?
6. What molecule acts as the carbon acceptor at the start of the Calvin cycle?
7. What color of light do chlorophyll pigments primarily reflect?
8. Which molecule is reduced to form carbohydrates in the Calvin cycle?
9. What is the main output molecule released during the light-dependent splitting of water?
10. In photosynthesis, what is the role of NADPH?

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