Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process

Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process — practice question

Mining can cause heavy metal ions to be released, which pollutes lakes and rivers. When the concentration of heavy metal ions, including cadmium $(\text{Cd}^{2+})$ and copper $(\text{Cu}^{2+})$, is high, photosynthesis in plants slows down.
(a(i))[1]

Name the section of the chloroplast where photosystem II is found.

(a(ii))[3]

Describe the function of photosystem II in light absorption.

(b)[2]

Describe how cadmium ion concentration affects the activity of photosystem II, as illustrated in Fig. 6.1.

(c(i))[4]

Describe the results in Table 6.1 and suggest explanations for them.

(c(ii))[1]

Suggest how copper ions alter the structure of chlorophyll $a$.

(d)[4]

Chromatography can separate and identify different photosynthetic pigments in a chloroplast extract. Describe how chromatography is used to identify chlorophyll a in an extract from chloroplasts.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Thylakoid membranes, lamellae, or grana

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