New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Higher

Models of photosynthesis

I can use simple models to explain what happens during photosynthesis, including a model of the two main stages.

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Higher

Models of photosynthesis

I can use simple models to explain what happens during photosynthesis, including a model of the two main stages.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Models are used in science to explain things that can be difficult to see or understand.
  2. The word summary and symbol equation for photosynthesis are simple models of the process.
  3. Photosynthesis can also be summarised using a model of the two main stages.
  4. In the first stage, energy from light is required to split water molecules into hydrogen and waste oxygen.
  5. 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

Part 1 explores the Working Scientifically idea that a variety of models are used in science to develop explanations and make predictions. Part 2 explores a two-stage model of photosynthesis; although this is only in OCR specifications it provides good learning progression to A level for all pupils.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Loading...

6 Questions

Q1.
What is reactant A in the word summary of photosynthesis?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: water
Q2.
What is product B in the word summary of photosynthesis?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: oxygen
Q3.
What should be added to represent water in the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 6H20
Q4.
What should be added to represent oxygen in the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 6O2
Q5.
The diagram shows a simple, 2D model of a plant cell. In which subcellular structure does photosynthesis take place?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: chloroplast
mitochondrion
nucleus
vacuole
Q6.
Chloroplasts contain a pigment called , to which the energy required for photosynthesis is transferred by light.
Correct Answer: chlorophyll

6 Questions

Q1.
A model contains __________ of the features and details of the real thing.
all
none
Correct answer: some
Q2.
This is a simple 2D model of the subcellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place. What is the name of this structure?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: chloroplast, a chloroplast
Q3.
A word summary is a simple model of photosynthesis. Complete the word summary.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: carbon dioxide
Q4.
A balanced symbol equation is a simple model of photosynthesis. Complete the equation.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 6CO2
Q5.
In the two-stage model of photosynthesis, which stage requires energy from light?
Both stages
Neither stage
Correct answer: Only the first stage
Only the second stage
Q6.
The first stage of photosynthesis splits water molecules into oxygen (a waste product) and ions (which are used in the second stage).
Correct Answer: hydrogen, H, H+