Questions

Mark Scheme
1. Define photosynthesis. (2 marks)

○ Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some

bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose
using carbon dioxide and water.

2. What are the main reactants and products of photosynthesis? (4 marks)

○ Reactants: Carbon dioxide and water (2 marks)

○ Products: Glucose and oxygen (2 marks)

3. Describe the process of photosynthesis in plants. (5 marks)

○ Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll (1 mark).

○ Water is taken up from the soil (1 mark).

○ Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air (1 mark).

○ Light energy splits water molecules (1 mark).

○ Glucose is produced, and oxygen is released (1 mark).

4. Explain how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis. (3 marks)

○ As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases up to a

certain point (2 marks).

○ Beyond that point, other factors may become limiting (1 mark).

5. What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis? (2 marks)

○ Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is essential for the process of

photosynthesis.

6. Outline the carbon cycle, including the processes involved. (6 marks)

○ Photosynthesis (1 mark)

○ Respiration (1 mark)

○ Decomposition (1 mark)

○ Combustion (1 mark)
 ○ Carbon storage in plants and oceans (1 mark)

○ Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (1 mark)

7. How do human activities impact the carbon cycle? (4 marks)

○ Deforestation reduces carbon sinks (2 marks).

○ Burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (2 marks).

8. Explain the significance of photosynthesis to life on Earth. (3 marks)

○ Provides oxygen for respiration (1 mark).

○ Produces glucose as an energy source (1 mark).

○ Supports food chains and ecosystems (1 mark).

9. Describe an experiment to investigate the factors affecting photosynthesis. (6

marks)

○ Set up a water plant (e.g., Elodea) in a beaker with a light source (1 mark).

○ Vary light intensity/distance and measure oxygen bubbles produced (2

marks).

○ Control temperature and carbon dioxide levels (1 mark).

○ Record results and analyze the relationship (2 marks).

10. Discuss the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle. (4 marks)

○ Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (2 marks).

○ Converts carbon into organic compounds (2 marks).

11. What is the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis? (3 marks)

○ Increased temperature speeds up reactions to a point (2 marks).

○ Excessive heat can denature enzymes and slow down the process (1 mark).

12. Identify two ways in which carbon is released back into the atmosphere. (2
marks)

○ Respiration (1 mark)

○ Combustion of fossil fuels (1 mark)

13. Explain the concept of carbon sinks and provide two examples. (4 marks)
 ○ Carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide than they
release (2 marks).

○ Examples: Forests (1 mark), Oceans (1 mark).

14. Evaluate the importance of photosynthesis in agriculture. (5 marks)

○ Essential for crop growth and food production (2 marks).

○ Enhances soil health through organic matter (1 mark).

○ Supports biodiversity (1 mark).

○ Contributes to carbon sequestration (1 mark).

15. How can deforestation affect the carbon cycle? (4 marks)

○ Reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide (2 marks).

○ Increases carbon dioxide levels due to burning or decomposition (2 marks).

Questions on Photosynthesis and the Carbon Cycle

Section A: Photosynthesis

1. What is photosynthesis?
  The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to

produce glucose and oxygen.

2. Where does photosynthesis occur in a plant cell?

 Chloroplasts.

3. What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

 Carbon dioxide and water.

4. What are the products of photosynthesis?

 Glucose and oxygen.

5. What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

 Absorbs sunlight energy.

Section B: The Carbon Cycle

6. What is the carbon cycle?

 The continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere,

hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

7. How does carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere?

 Respiration, combustion of fossil fuels, and decomposition.

8. How does carbon dioxide leave the atmosphere?

 Photosynthesis.

9. What is the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

  Break down organic matter into carbon dioxide and other nutrients.

10. What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

 Reduces the number of trees to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to increased levels in

the atmosphere.

Section C: Past Paper Questions

11. [Past Paper] Describe the role of plants in the carbon cycle.

 Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it

as organic matter. When plants die or are consumed by animals, the stored carbon is

released back into the atmosphere through decomposition and respiration.

12. [Past Paper] Explain the difference between respiration and photosynthesis.

 Respiration is the process by which organisms break down glucose to release energy,

producing carbon dioxide and water as waste products. Photosynthesis is the reverse

process, where plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen

using sunlight energy.

13. [Past Paper] How does human activity contribute to the greenhouse effect?

 Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture release

large amounts of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.

These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming.

14. [Past Paper] What are the consequences of climate change?

 Climate change can lead to rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, changes

in precipitation patterns, and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.

15. [Past Paper] Suggest ways in which humans can reduce their impact on the

carbon cycle.

 Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promote renewable energy sources, conserve forests,

and adopt sustainable practices in agriculture and industry.

Questions

16. Define photosynthesis.

(1 mark)
17. Write the word equation for photosynthesis.
(1 mark)
18. Explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
(2 marks)
19. Describe the process of carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle.
(3 marks)
20. List three factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.
(3 marks)
21. Explain how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.
(2 marks)
22. What is the importance of stomata in photosynthesis?
(2 marks)
23. Describe the role of water in photosynthesis.
(2 marks)
24. Explain how carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis.
(2 marks)
25. What are the products of photosynthesis?
(1 mark)
26. Explain the significance of the carbon cycle in maintaining the balance of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(3 marks)
27. Describe the process of respiration and its relationship to the carbon cycle.
(3 marks)
28. Explain how human activities can impact the carbon cycle.
(3 marks)
29. Describe the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle.
(2 marks)
30. Explain how deforestation affects the carbon cycle.
(3 marks)

Mark Scheme

31. Define photosynthesis.

  The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the
help of chlorophyll. (1 mark)

32. Write the word equation for photosynthesis.

 Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (1 mark)

33. Explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

 Chlorophyll absorbs light energy. (1 mark)

 It converts light energy into chemical energy. (1 mark)

34. Describe the process of carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle.

 Carbon dioxide is fixed into a stable intermediate. (1 mark)

 It is then converted into glucose. (1 mark)
 This process occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. (1 mark)

35. List three factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.

 Light intensity (1 mark)

 Carbon dioxide concentration (1 mark)
 Temperature (1 mark)

36. Explain how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.

 Increased light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis. (1 mark)

 Up to a certain point, after which it plateaus. (1 mark)

37. What is the importance of stomata in photosynthesis?

 Stomata allow gas exchange. (1 mark)

 They let carbon dioxide in and oxygen out. (1 mark)

38. Describe the role of water in photosynthesis.

 Water is split into oxygen, protons, and electrons. (1 mark)

 It provides electrons for the light reactions. (1 mark)

39. Explain how carbon dioxide is utilized in photosynthesis.

 Carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose. (1 mark)

 It is used in the Calvin cycle. (1 mark)

40. What are the products of photosynthesis?

  Glucose and oxygen (1 mark)

41. Explain the significance of the carbon cycle in maintaining the balance of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

 The carbon cycle ensures a balance between carbon dioxide production and
removal. (1 mark)
 Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (1 mark)
 Respiration and combustion release carbon dioxide back into the
atmosphere. (1 mark)

42. Describe the process of respiration and its relationship to the carbon cycle.

 Respiration is the process of breaking down glucose to release energy. (1

mark)
 It produces carbon dioxide as a by-product. (1 mark)
 This carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the
carbon cycle. (1 mark)

43. Explain how human activities can impact the carbon cycle.

 Burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide levels. (1 mark)

 Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide. (1
mark)
 Industrial processes release additional carbon dioxide. (1 mark)

44. Describe the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle.

 Decomposers break down dead organic matter. (1 mark)

 They release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration. (1
mark)

45. Explain how deforestation affects the carbon cycle.

 Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon

dioxide. (1 mark)
 It increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. (1 mark)
 It disrupts the balance of the carbon cycle. (1 mark)

Past Paper Questions

46. Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

 Photosynthesis (1 mark)
 47. Which process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

 Respiration (1 mark)

48. Explain how the rate of photosynthesis can be measured.

 By measuring the amount of oxygen produced. (1 mark)

 By measuring the uptake of carbon dioxide. (1 mark)

Feel free to use these questions and mark schemes for your study and practice! If you need
more detailed explanations or additional questions, just let me know.