Photosynthesis Practice Questions
Practice Test
Name: ______________________ Date: __________
Answer each question. For short answer, respond in one or two complete sentences.
Section 1 · Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following is a product of photosynthesis?
- A) Carbon dioxide
- B) Oxygen
- C) Nitrogen
- D) Methane
2. Where in the plant cell does the Calvin cycle take place?
- A) Thylakoid membrane
- B) Stroma
- C) Mitochondrial matrix
- D) Cell wall
3. Which pigment absorbs light most efficiently in the red and blue parts of the spectrum?
- A) Carotenoid
- B) Xanthophyll
- C) Chlorophyll a
- D) Anthocyanin
4. What gas do plants take in for photosynthesis?
- A) Oxygen
- B) Nitrogen
- C) Carbon dioxide
- D) Hydrogen
Section 2 · Short Answer
5. In one sentence, write the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis.
6. Explain why photosynthesis slows down at very high temperatures.
Answer Key
Section 1 · Multiple Choice
- 1. BPhotosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
- 2. BThe Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma; the light reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane.
- 3. CChlorophyll a is the primary pigment of photosynthesis and absorbs strongly in red and blue.
- 4. CPlants absorb CO2 through stomata and use it to build glucose.
Section 2 · Short Answer
- 5. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2.
- 6. Enzymes that catalyze the reactions denature at high temperatures, so the rate of the Calvin cycle drops.