Chapter 12

What is the functional relationship between photosynthesis and aerobic respiration, and how does this relate to the metabolic needs of autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Describe the structure and function of chloroplasts, and compare the role of chloroplast membranes to that of mitochondrial membranes.

Describe the process of photooxidation at PSII and PSI reaction centers. How is photon energy transferred from light-harvesting complexes to PSII and PSI reaction centers?

Write the net equation for the photosynthetic electron transport system, following the absorption of 8 photons and oxidation of \(2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\). Briefly describe the structure and function of the six key proteins required for this process.

In what way does cyclic photophosphorylation differ from standard photophosphorylation?

How does differential localization of PSII and PSI complexes within the thylakoid membrane control rates of cyclic photophosphorylation?

Why is it incorrect to refer to the Calvin cycle as the dark reactions of photosynthesis?

What key chemical reactions occur in each of the three stages of the Calvin cycle?

Why is the oxygenase reaction of rubisco considered wasteful to plants?

What is meant by a \(C_{4}\) plant, and what two evolutionary adaptations permit \(\mathrm{C}_{4}\) plants to outcompete normal plants \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{3} \text { plants }\right)\) in hot climates?

What is the biochemical function of the glyoxylate cycle in plants?