Applied Science AQA/Photosynthesis

Setting Applied context
Many scientists try to understand and control the photosynthetic process in order to increase crop yields and health, producing plants that are tolerant to insects, drought and disease. Knowledge of photosynthesis in plants can also be adapted to man-made systems to provide efficient ways to collect and use solar energy.

Exploration of key ideas (must be original text, not C&P) – level checked by AQA
In general, point students towards the approach to take, as opposed to just giving them information.

Glycolysis
Glycolysis takes place in the cells cytoplasm. Glucose is phosphorylated using ATP, triosphosphate (TP) is produced.

The oxidation of TP to pyruvate (pyruvic acid) with a net gain of ATP and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).



Link Reaction
explanation 2

Krebs Cycle
explanation 3

Electron transport chain
The electron transport chain is the final chain. In this stage the link reaction and Krebs cycle both produce reduced coenzymes (reduced NAD and reduced FAD). The coenzymes release hydrogen which are passed down through the carriers in the electron transport chain through a series of redox reactions. As the electrons are passed from carrier to carrier they release energy which is used to move protons into the intermembrane space. As the protons move back into the matrix through ATP synthase energy is used to combine ADP and phosphate to produce ATP. In the mitochondrial matrix at the end of the transport chain, protons electrons and oxygen from the blood combine to form water. Oxygen is the final electron acceptor. This ensures the chain in continuous.

Study Task
Work to do to understand this topic e.g. research, analysis

Careers and Organisations
Carry out some research into these jobs in this area. (Feel free to add other jobs you find.)

Relevant practical/s
– relating to criteria skills

Quick questions
What are the physiological measurements involved in photosynthesis?

in what different ways can energy be lost in the transfer between trophic levels in a food chain?

What are the definitions for Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Net Primary Production (NPP)?

Exam-style questions
– can we use old AQA qs… e.g. from more than 5 years ago? With Examiner comments

Links
to other sections within this book

to good external websites (including AQA website, wikipedia, relevant applications / companies) - also considering links in spec

References / Bibliography
of recommended text books

including mapped refs to existing books

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