Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 5: Photosynthesis Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 5: Photosynthesis, with mark schemes. Covers the light-dependent and light-independent reactions, chloroplast structure and limiting factors.
Topic 5: Photosynthesis exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 5: On the Wild Side, including Topic 5: Photosynthesis. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 5: Photosynthesis
This part of Topic 5 explains how plants capture energy. Expect questions on the stages of photosynthesis and chromatography of pigments.
What you need to know
- Chloroplast Thylakoid membranes hold chlorophyll for the light-dependent reactions; the stroma holds enzymes for the Calvin cycle.
- Light-dependent reactions Photolysis of water, photophosphorylation producing ATP, and reduced NADP.
- Light-independent reactions The Calvin cycle: carbon dioxide fixed by RUBISCO to RuBP, forming GP then GALP, which is used to make glucose and regenerate RuBP.
- Limiting factors Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature.
Common mistakes in Topic 5: Photosynthesis
- Saying the light-independent reactions happen in the dark only.
- Mixing up GP and GALP.
- Forgetting that ATP and reduced NADP link the two stages.
Try three Topic 5: Photosynthesis exam-style questions
1. Name the enzyme that fixes carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle. (1 mark)
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RUBISCO.
2. Describe the role of photolysis. (2 marks)
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Water is split using light energy (1), releasing electrons to replace those lost by chlorophyll, plus protons and oxygen (1).
3. Explain why the rate of photosynthesis stops increasing at high light intensity. (2 marks)
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Another factor becomes limiting (1), such as carbon dioxide concentration or temperature (1).
Topic 5: Photosynthesis FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 5 cover?
Chloroplast structure, the light-dependent and light-independent reactions and limiting factors.
Is there a core practical?
Yes, investigating photosynthetic pigments by chromatography.
Which paper tests Topic 5?
Topics 5 to 8 are examined in Paper 2 and Paper 3.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
