ib biology photosynthesis worksheet

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1 Statistical Analysis

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3 Chemical elements and water

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Photosynthesis

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8 Cell respiration and photosynthesis

9 plant science.

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8.2.1 Draw and label a diagram showing the structure of a chloroplast as seen in electron micrographs.

Figure 8.2.1 - Chloroplast

8.2.2 State that photosynthesis consists of light-dependent and light- independent reactions.

Photosynthesis consists of light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

8.2.3 Explain the light-dependent reactions.

Photosynthesis occurs inside chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a green pigment found inside the thylakoid membranes. These chlorophyll molecules are arranged in groups called photosystems. There are two types of photosystems, Photosystem II and Photosystem I. When a chlorophyll molecule absorbs light, the energy from this light raises an electron within the chlorophyll molecule to a higher energy state. The chlorophyll molecule is then said to be photoactivated. Excited electron anywhere within the photosystem are then passed on from one chlorophyll molecule to the next until they reach a special chlorophyll molecule at the reaction centre of the photosystem. This special chlorophyll molecule then passes on the excited electron to a chain of electron carriers. 

The light-dependent reactions starts within Photosystem II. When the excited electron reaches the special chlorophyll molecule at the reaction centre of Photosystem II it is passed on to the chain of electron carriers. This chain of electron carriers is found within the thylakoid membrane. As this excited electron passes from one carrier to the next it releases energy. This energy is used to pump protons (hydrogen ions) across the thylakoid membrane and into the space within the thylakoids. This forms a proton gradient. The protons can travel back across the membrane, down the concentration gradient, however to do so they must pass through ATP synthase. ATP synthase is located in the thylakoid membrane and it uses the energy released from the movement of protons down their concentration gradient to synthesise ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The synthesis of ATP in this manner is called non-cyclic photophosphorylation (uses the energy of excited electrons from photosystem II) .

The electrons from the chain of electron carriers are then accepted by Photosystem I. These electrons replace electrons previously lost from Photosystem I. Photosystem I then absorbs light and becomes photoactivated. The electrons become excited again as they are raised to a higher energy state. These excited electrons then pass along a short chain of electron carriers and are eventually used to reduce NADP +  in the stroma.  NADP +  accepts two excited electrons from the chain of carriers and one H +  ion from the stroma to form NADPH. 

If the light intensity is not a limiting factor, there will usually be a shortage of NADP +  as NADPH accumulates within the stroma (see light independent reaction). NADP +  is needed for the normal flow of electrons in the thylakoid membranes as it is the final electron acceptor. If NADP +  is not available then the normal flow of electrons is inhibited. However, there is an alternative pathway for ATP production in this case and it is called cyclic photophosphorylation. It begins with Photosystem I absorbing light and becoming photoactivated. The excited electrons from Photosystem I are then passed on to a chain of electron carriers between Photosystem I and II. These electrons travel along the chain of carriers back to Photosystem I and as they do so they cause the pumping of protons across the thylakoid membrane and therefore create a proton gradient. As explained previously, the protons move back across the thylakoid membrane through ATP synthase and as they do so, ATP is produced. Therefore, ATP can be produced even when there is a shortage of NADP + . 

In addition to producing NADPH, the light dependent reactions also produce oxygen as a waste product. When the special chlorophyll molecule at the reaction centre passes on the electrons to the chain of electron carriers, it becomes positively charged. With the aid of an enzyme at the reaction centre, water molecules within the thylakoid space are split. Oxygen and H +  ions are formed as a result and the electrons from the splitting of these water molecules are given to chlorophyll. The oxygen is then excreted as a waste product. This splitting of water molecules is called photolysis as it only occurs in the presence of light.

8.2.4 Explain photophosphorylation in terms of chemiosmosis.

Photophosphorylation is the production of ATP using the energy of sunlight. Photophosphorylation is made possible as a result of chemiosmosis. Chemiosmosis is the movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their concentration gradient. During photosynthesis, light is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules. Electrons within these molecules are then raised to a higher energy state. These electrons then travel through Photosystem II, a chain of electron carriers and Photosystem I. As the electrons travel through the chain of electron carriers, they release energy. This energy is used to pump hydrogen ions across the thylakoid membrane and into the space within the thylakoid. A concentration gradient of hydrogen ions forms within this space. These then move back across the thylakoid membrane, down their concentration gradient through ATP synthase. ATP synthase uses the energy released from the movement of hydrogen ions down their concentration gradient to synthesise ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

8.2.5 Explain the light-independent reactions.

The light-independant reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma of the chloroplast and involve the conversion of carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose. The light-independent reactions can be split into three stages, these are carbon fixation, the reduction reactions and finally the regeneration of ribulose bisphosphate. Collectively these stages are known as the Calvin Cycle. 

During carbon fixation, carbon dioxide in the stroma (which enters the chloroplast by diffusion) reacts with a five-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) to form a six-carbon compound. This reaction is catalysed by an enzyme called ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (large amounts present within the stroma), otherwise known as rubisco. As soon as the six-carbon compound is formed, it splits to form two molecules of glycerate 3-phosphate. Glycerate 3-phosphate is then used in the reduction reactions.

Glycerate 3-phosphate is reduced during the reduction reactions to a three-carbon sugar called triose phosphate. Energy and hydrogen is needed for the reduction and these are supplied by ATP and NADPH + H +  (both produced during light-dependent reactions) respectively. Two triose phosphate molecules can then react together to form glucose phosphate. The condensation of many molecules of glucose phosphate forms starch which is the form of carbohydrate stored in plants. However, out of six triose phosphates produced during the reduction reactions, only one will be used to synthesise glucose phosphate. The five remaining triose phosphates will be used to regenerate RuBP. 

The regeneration of RuBP is essential for carbon fixation to continue. Five triose phosphate molecules will undergo a series of reactions requiring energy from ATP, to form three molecules of RuBP. RuBP is therefore consumed and produced during the light-independent reactions and therefore these reactions form a cycle which is named the Calvin cycle.

8.2.6 Explain the relationship between the structure of the chloroplast and its function.

The stroma - Contains many enzymes, including rubisco, which are important for the reactions of the Calvin cycle.

The thylakoids - Have a large surface area for light absorption and the space within them allows rapid accumulation of protons.

8.2.7 Explain the relationship between the action spectrum and the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic pigments in green plants.

The action spectrum of photosynthesis is a graph showing the rate of photosynthesis for each wavelength of light. The rate of photosynthesis will not be the same for every wavelength of light. The rate of photosynthesis is the least with green-yellow light (525 nm-625 nm). Red-orange light (625nm-700nm) shows a good rate of photosynthesis however the best rate of photosynthesis is seen with violet-blue light (400nm-525nm). 

An absorption spectrum is a graph showing the percentage of light absorbed by pigments within the chloroplast, for each wavelength of light.  An example is the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a and b. The best absorption is seen with violet-blue light. There is also good absorption with red-orange light. However most of the green-yellow light is reflected and therefore not absorbed. This wavelength of light shows the least absorption. 

As we can see, there is a close relationship between the action spectrum and absorption spectrum of photosynthesis. There are many different types of photosynthetic pigments which will absorb light best at different wavelengths. However the most abundant photosynthetic pigment in plants is chlorophyll and therefore the rate of photosynthesis will be the greatest at wavelengths of light best absorbed by chlorophyll (400nm-525nm corresponding to violet-blue light). Very little light is absorbed by chlorophyll at wavelengths of light between 525nm and 625 (green-yellow light) so the rate of photosynthesis will be the least within this range. However, there are other pigments that are able to absorb green-yellow light such as carotene. Even though these are present in small amounts they allow a low rate of photosynthesis to occur at wavelengths of light that chlorophyll cannot absorb.

8.2.8 Explain the concept of limiting factors in photosynthesis, with reference to light intensity, temperature and concentration of carbon dioxide.

A limiting factor is a factor that controls a process. Light intensity, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration are all factors which can control the rate of photosynthesis. Usually, only one of these factors will be the limiting factor in a plant at a certain time. This is the factor which is the furthest from its optimum level at a particular point in time. If we change the limiting factor the rate of photosynthesis will change but changes to the other factors will have no effect on the rate. If the levels of the limiting factor increase so that this factor is no longer the furthest from its optimum level, the limiting factor will change to the factor which is at that point in time, the furthest from its optimum level. For example, at night the limiting factor is likely to be the light intensity as this will be the furthest from its optimum level. During the day, the limiting factor is likely to switch to the temperature or the carbon dioxide concentration as the light intensity increases. 

So how can these factors have an effect on the rate of photosynthesis? Lets start off with the light intensity. When the light intensity is poor, there is a shortage of ATP and NADPH, as these are products from the light dependent reactions. Without these products the light independent reactions can't occur as glycerate 3-phosphate cannot be reduced. Therefore a shortage of these products will limit the rate of photosynthesis. When the carbon dioxide concentration is low, the amount of glycerate 3-phosphate produced is limited as carbon dioxide is needed for its production and therefore the rate of photosynthesis is affected. Finally, many enzymes are involved during the process of photosynthesis. At low temperatures these enzymes work slower. At high temperatures the enzymes no longer work effectively. This affects the rate of the reactions in the Calvin cycle and therefore the rate of photosynthesis will be affected.

Brent Cornell

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8.2.1  Draw and label a diagram showing the structure of a chloroplast as seen in an electron micrograph

                  2D Representation                                                           3D Representation                                                               Electron Micrograph

8.2.2  State that photosynthesis consists of the light-dependent and light-independent reactions

Photosynthesis is a two-step process:

1.  The light dependent reactions convert the light energy into chemical energy

2.  The light independent reaction uses the chemical energy to make organic molecules

Overview of Photosynthesis

8.2.3  Explain the light dependent reactions

• The light dependent reactions occur on the thylakoid membrane and may occur by either cyclic or non-cyclic processes
• In both processes, light excites chlorophyll (clustered in photosystems) which release electrons that pass through an electron transport chain, making ATP (photophosphorylation)

Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation

• Chlorophyll in photosystems I and II absorbs light, which triggers the release of high energy electrons (photoactivation)
• The electrons from photosystem II pass along a series of carriers (electron transport chain), producing ATP via chemiosmosis 
• The electrons from photosystem I reduce NADP + to generate NADPH + H +
• Electrons lost from photosystem I are replaced by electrons from photsystem II
• Electrons lost from photosystem II are replaced by electrons generated by the photolysis of water (oxygen is produced as a by-product)

Cyclic Photophosphorylation

• Only photosystem I is involved in cyclic photophosphorylation
• The high energy electrons released by photoactivation pass along an electron transport chain (producing ATP) before returning to photosystem I
• Cyclic photophosphorylation does not produce NADPH + H + , which is needed for the light independent reactions
• Thus while cyclic photophosphorylation can make chemical energy (ATP) from light, it cannot be used to make organic molecules

Non-Cyclic versus Cyclic Photophosphorylation

8.2.4  Explain photophosphorylation in terms of chemiosmosis

• As the electrons (released from chlorophyll) cycle through the electron transport chains located on the thylakoid membrane, they lose energy
• This free energy is used to pump H + ions from the stroma into the thylakoid
• The build up of protons inside the thylakoid creates an electrochemical gradient (or proton motive force)
• The H + ions return to the stroma via the transmembrane enzyme ATP synthase, which uses the potential energy from the proton motive force to convert ADP and an inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP
• This process is called chemiosmosis

Photophosphorylation via Chemiosmosis

8.2.5  Explain the light independent reaction

• The light independent reaction occurs in the stroma and uses the ATP and NADPH + H + produced by the light dependent reaction (non-cyclic)
• The light independent reaction is also known as the Calvin cycle and occurs via three main steps:

1.  Carbon Fixation

• The enzyme rubisco (RuBP carboxylase) catalyses the attachment of CO 2 to the 5C compound ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP)
• The unstable 6C compound that is formed immediately breaks down into two 3C molecules called glycerate-3-phosphate (GP)

2.  Reduction

• Each GP molecule is then phosphorylated by ATP and reduced by NADPH + H +
• This converts each GP molecule into a triose phosphate (TP) called glyceraldehyde phosphate

3.  Regeneration of RuBP

• For every six molecules of TP produced, only one may be used to form half a sugar molecule (need two cycles to form a complete glucose)
• The remaining TP molecules are reorganised to regenerate stocks of RuBP in a reaction that involves ATP
• With RuBP regenerated, this cycle will repeat many times and be used to construct chains of sugars (e.g. sucrose) for use by the plant

The Light Independent Reaction (Calvin Cycle)

8.2.6  Explain the relationship between the structure of the chloroplast and its function

• Thylakoids:  Small lumen means small changes in proton concentration have a large effect on the proton motive force
• Grana:  Thylakoids arranged in stacks to greatly increase surface area available for light absorption (chlorophyll located in thylakoid membrane)
• Stroma:  Contains appropriate enzymes and suitable pH for the light independent reaction to occur

8.2.7  Explain the relationship between the action spectrum and absorption spectrum of photosynthetic pigments in green plants

• Pigments absorb light as a source of energy for photosynthesis
• The absorption spectrum indicates the wavelengths (frequency) of light absorbed by each pigment
• The action spectrum indicates the rate of photosynthesis for each wavelength / frequency
• There is a strong correlation between the cumulative absorption spectrum of all photosynthetic pigments and the action spectrum
• Both display two main peaks - a larger peak at ~450 nm (blue) and a smaller peak at ~670 nm (red) with a decrease in between (green)

Absorption Spectrum versus Action Spectrum

8.2.8  Explain the concept of limiting factors in photosynthesis, with reference to light intensity, temperature and concentration of carbon dioxide

• The law of limiting factors states that when a chemical process depends on more than one essential condition being favourable, its rate will be limited by the factor that is nearest its minimum value
• Photosynthesis is dependent on a number of favourable conditions, including:

Light Intensity

• Light is required for the light dependent reactions (photoactivation of chlorophyll and photolysis of water molecules)
• Low light intensities results in insufficient production of ATP and NADPH + H + (both needed for the light independent reaction)

Temperature

• Primarily affects the light independent reaction (and to a lesser extent the light dependent reactions)
• High temperatures will denature essential enzymes (e.g. rubisco), whereas insufficient thermal energy will prohibit reactions from occurring

Concentration of Carbon Dioxide

• Carbon dioxide is required for the light independent reaction to occur (carbon fixation of RuBP by rubisco)
• At low levels, carbon fixation will occur very slowly, whereas at higher levels the rate will peak as all rubsico are being used

Factors Affecting the Rate of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis

• Macromolecules
• Cellular Energetics
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Description

This multipart animation series explores the process of photosynthesis and the structures that carry it out.

Photosynthesis converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in organic molecules, which are used to build the cells of many producers and ultimately fuel ecosystems. After providing an overview of photosynthesis, these animations zoom inside the cells of a leaf and into a chloroplast to see where and how the reactions of photosynthesis happen. The animations detail both the light reactions and the Calvin cycle, focusing on the flow of energy and the cycling of matter.

This animation series contains seven parts, which can be watched individually or in sequence. The first three parts are appropriate for middle school through college-level students. The remaining parts are appropriate for high school through college-level students; Parts 5 and 6 are recommended for more advanced students. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animations at various points to discuss different steps or structures.

The accompanying “Student Worksheet” incorporates concepts and information from the animations. The animations are also available in a YouTube playlist or as a full-length YouTube video .

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Student Learning Targets

• Summarize the overall purpose of photosynthesis, as well as its inputs and outputs.
• Describe the structures used to perform photosynthesis in plants. 
• Describe the main components of the light reactions and Calvin cycle, and how they contribute to photosynthesis.  

Estimated Time

ATP, Calvin cycle, chlorophyll, chloroplast, electron transport chain, G3P, light reactions, NADPH, photosystem, rubisco

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The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license . No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

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Version history, curriculum connections, ngss (2013).

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IB Biology (2016)

2.9, 4.2, 8.3

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Topic(s): 1.4 Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-1.D

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Common core (2010).

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Absorption and Action Spectra

Limiting factors, oxygen production, 2.9 - photosynthesis.

• Photosynthesis :- Metabolic pathway which uses carbon dioxide and water to produce carbohydrates and oxygen, in the presence of sunlight.
• 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O --> C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2
• Glucose gets converted into starch and cellulose .
• Leaves are green because they reflect green.
• Endothermic as energy is needed to be absorbed from light (and then stored in the form of carbohydrates).

Absorption Spectrum

• Shows the absorbance of light by photosynthetic pigments for all wavelengths
• "Chlorophyll a **"** absorbs mostly violet and orange.
• "Chlorophyll b" absorbs mostly blue and yellow.
• "Carotenoids" absorb mostly blue-green and violet.

Action Spectrum

• Shows the rate of photosynthesis for wavelengths of light as a % of the maximum rate.

Light Intensity

• As light increases, more energy is absorbed for the reaction.
• Until another factor becomes the limiting factor.
• Light too dim closes the stomata.

Temperature

• Photosynthesis is an enzyme controlled reaction.
• So there is an optimum temperature for the enzymes and stomata to stay open.

Carbon Dioxide Concentration

• As CO 2 concentration increases, rate increases.
• Till an optimum point, the levels out.

• Photolysis : The splitting of water molecules in the presence of light to produce oxygen , electrons, and protons (hydrogen ion).
• H 2 O --> 4e - + 4H + + O 2
• This increased O 2 in the air and helped oxygen dependent life to develop.
• Biology Class notes
• Biology - Course Companion - Andrew Allott and David Mindorff - Oxford 2014
• https://www.philpoteducation.com/mod/book/view.php?id=782&chapterid=1131#/

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• Photosynthesis - planning sheet 2.9
• Molecular biology: Activities for Learning

Planning sheet for photosynthesisUnderstanding(s)Guidance:Photosynthesis TheoryEssential Question(s) TOK / Nature of Science / IMSkills students will:Photosynthesis Experiments & simulationsPractical 4 - Photosynthetic pigments ChromatographyTime: 1hr Standard level students need to know about photolysis and the light independent reactions which take place in the stroma but with only simple details. This activity leaves...

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IB Biology Topic 2.9 Photosynthesis

Subject: Biology

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

5 November 2022

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Created by an IB Assistant Examiner, this complete IB Biology lesson slideshow has everything you need to teach IBDP Biology 2.9 Photosynthesis to your SL and HL IB Diploma students. This 32-slide Google Slides Presentation can be used both in-person and for online learning, added to your Google Classroom, or downloaded as a PowerPoint presentation.

Save yourself time - don’t recreate the wheel. Ready to use as-is with no effort needed from you! All my resources are informed by over two decades of IB DP Bio teaching experience, so you can be sure you are getting a quality resource with everything you need to teach the IB DP Biology content.

This is a subtopic of IB Diploma Biology, Topic 2: Molecular Biology

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• Easy to use, and organised to be used as-is
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Also suitable for other curriculum programs - any kind of High School Biology course that focuses on scientific inquiry, such as AP Biology or Honors Biology.

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IB Biology Topic 2 Molecular Biology Unit Bundle + 2 Required Practicals

Created by an IB Assistant Examiner. Complete IBDP Biology Topic 2 BUNDLE - everything you need to teach the IB Diploma Biology topic, Molecular Biology. This bundle contains 328 slides and 16 pages, approximately 10 weeks - 3 months of lessons. 9 Google Slides Presentations to use both in-person and online or distance learning. These can also be added to your Google Classroom, or downloaded as a PowerPoint presentation. IB Required Practicals 3 and 4 Save yourself time - don't recreate the wheel. This resource is ready to use as-is with no effort needed from you! All my resources are informed by my more than two decades experience teaching IB Biology, so you can be sure you are getting the right information. **Bundle Contains:** * IBDP Biology Topic 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism * IBDP Biology Topic 2.2: Water * IBDP Biology Topic 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids * IBDP Biology Topic 2.4: Proteins * IBDP Biology Topic 2.5: Enzymes * IBDP Biology Topic 2.6: DNA and RNA Structure * IBDP Biology Topic 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation * IBDP Biology Topic 2.8: Cell Respiration And: **IB Diploma Biology Required Practical 3: Enzymes IB Diploma Biology Required Practical 4: Chromatography** **Features of the Google Slideshows / PowerPoint Presentations:** * Multimedia links such as videos and animations * Highly visual, with clear definitions (helpful for EAL/ESL students) * Clear bullet points (not too much text on each slide) and helpful images * Links to websites and articles for further inquiry and extension * ToK (Theory of Knowledge) links * Use of IB Command terms for tasks (state, discuss, explain, etc). * Student tasks * Exam review questions from past IB Exams, plus mark schemes * Official IB understandings and guidance Easy to use, and organised to be used as-is Introduction and Review slides These International Baccalaureate Diploma Progamme guided inquiry lessons are also suitable for other curriculum programs - any kind of High School Biology course that focuses on scientific inquiry, such as AP Biology or Honors Biology.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best ib biology study guide and notes for sl/hl.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB Biology is challenging, college-level biology, so sometimes you will need a little more study help than your class notes provide. In this article, I've compiled the best FREE online IB Biology study guides (including IB Biology Notes and IB Biology Revision) into one resource and provided you with some IB Biology practice questions.

2022 IB Exam Changes Due to COVID-19

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the IB has decided to extend the adaptations which were put in place for 2021 to 2022. May 2022 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our our IB COVID-19 FAQ article .

How to Use This IB Biology Study Guide

This IB Biology Study Guide is ordered using the IB Biology Syllabus . If there is a single topic you are interested in learning more about, use the Command + F function on your computer to search the article for that term. For example, if you want to learn more about Cell Theory , use Command + F to bring up the search function. Type in "Cell Theory" and it will bring up all of the study materials for Cell Theory.

If you are looking for general quiz material for the whole IB Biology Exam, you can skip to the end of the article to the Overall Reviews section for great overall study resources.

First, I will delve into resources by IB Biology Topic. I will separate the resources into:

• Quick Reference: These guides primarily come from the site IB Guides. They're short summaries of the information that often include definitions and diagrams. NOTE: These guides haven't been updated since before the 2016 syllabus changes, so be sure to keep your syllabus handy as you go through them so you don't go crazy trying to memorize info you don't need to know.
• Longer Notes: These longer notes come from the site BioNinja . They're a more in-depth look at the material, and you can focus on the specific topic you're interested in by clicking on the topics listed on the left side of the page.
• Overview: The IBWorld site has all the notes for each topic on one webpage. It's especially a good resource for people who want to be able to just read through a lot of notes without clicking through different pages to get to different topics.
• Slideshow: These are powerpoint-type presentations on the material.
• Video: Demonstration videos on how to solve problems related to the material. They come from two different sources since neither one covers all the IB Biology topics.

How Should You Use This Guide Throughout the Year?

You should use this guide throughout the year as a refresher before tests and quizzes or for additional support if you did not entirely understand a specific lesson in your IB Biology class. If you still need more assistance, check out our article on the Best IB Biology Books . You should be studying throughout the year and not waiting to cram before the IB Biology exam.

You should also be integrating real practice questions with each subject. You can find past IB Biology HL and IB Biology SL papers for sale online from the Follett IB store . Also, if you are struggling to understand the material, you should be studying the corresponding chapter in a review book as you learn that chapter in class.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Studying for IB Biology

Many students have a hard time with IB Biology. There is a lot of material to cover and you need to be learning it throughout the year(s) in order to master the IB Biology exam. Some common mistakes students make when studying are:

• Ignoring subjects you don't understand in class: If you do not understand it in class, you need to seek more help whether through IB Biology study guides, IB Biology books , or through tutoring.
• Only worrying about studying right before the IB Biology exam: There is way too much material to cover to learn it all in a few days or weeks (there is a reason it is spread over one to two years). Learn the material as you cover it in class. Use this study guide for help understanding the concepts you cover in class.

Study Guide for the IB Biology SL/HL Core

Below are all the best notes for IB Biology SL and HL. IB Biology SL consists of a minimum of 150 prescribed hours, and IB Biology HL consists of a minimum of 240 prescribed hours. Both levels cover topics 1-6, and HL additionally consists of topics 7-11. For both levels, you'll also cover one of the four options (A through D), at either the SL or HL level.

Command Terms

• Slideshow : Excellent interactive slideshow that gives you tips and tricks.
• Knowing the command terms is the most crucial part of the IB Biology Exam. If you do not understand the difference in command terms (such as Draw, Annotate, Outline, Analyze, etc.), you will not be able to answer the questions correctly.

Topic #1: Cell Biology

Topic 1 Overview Notes

1.1 Introduction to cells

• Quick Reference

1.2 Ultrastructure of cells

• Longer Notes
• Prokaryotes Quick Reference
• Eukaryotes Quick Reference

1.3 Membrane structure

1.4 membrane transport, 1.5 the origin of cells, 1.6 cell division, topic #2: molecular biology.

Topic 2 Overview Notes

2.1 Molecules to metabolism

2.3 carbohydrates and lipids, 2.4 proteins, 2.5 enzymes, 2.6 structure of dna and rna, 2.7 dna replication, transcription and translation.

• DNA Replication Quick Reference
• Transcription and Translation Quick Reference

2.8 Cell respiration

2.9 photosynthesis.

Topic #3: Genetics

Topic 3 Overview Notes

3.2 Chromosomes

3.3 meiosis, 3.4 inheritance, 3.5 genetic modification and biotechnology, topic #4: ecology.

Topic 4 Overview Notes

4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems

4.2 energy flow, 4.3 carbon cycling, 4.4 climate change.

Topic #5: Evolution and Biodiversity

Topic 5 Overview Notes

5.1 Evidence for evolution

5.2 natural selection, 5.3 classification of biodiversity, 5.4 cladistics, topic #6: human physiology.

Topic 6 Overview Notes

6.1 Digestion and absorption

6.2 the blood system, 6.3 defense against infectious disease, 6.4 gas exchange, 6.5 neurons and synapses, 6.6 hormones, homeostasis and reproduction, additional higher level topics.

You'll only cover these topics if you are taking IB Biology HL.

Topic #7: Nucleic Acids

Topic 7 Overview Notes

7.1 DNA structure and replication

• DNA Structure Quick Reference

7.2 Transcription and gene expression

7.3 translation, topic #8: metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis.

Topic 8 Overview Notes

8.1 Metabolism

8.2 cell respiration, 8.3 photosynthesis, topic #9: plant biology.

Topic 9 Overview Notes

9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants

9.2 transport in the phloem of plants, 9.3 growth in plants, 9.4 reproduction in plants, topic #10: genetics and evolution.

Topic 10 Overview Notes

10.1 Meiosis

10.2 inheritance, 10.3 gene pools and speciation.

Topic #11: Animal Physiology

Topic 11 Overview Notes

11.1 Antibody production and vaccination

11.2 movement, 11.3 the kidney and osmoregulation, 11.4 sexual reproduction.

In addition to the above topics, you'll also cover one of the options below (typically your teacher decides which option is covered). Whichever option you study, you'll cover three or four topics (15 hours total) for SL and an additional two or three topics (25 hours total) for HL.

Overall Notes

Options Overview Notes

A. Neurobiology and Behavior: Core

B. Biotechnology and Bioinformatics: Core

C. Ecology and Conservation: Core

D. human physiology: core, overall ib biology reviews.

These four resources are general review resources IB Biology students can use to help them prepare for the final exam.

• IB Biology Definitions Quiz : Review of all key terms from the IB Biology SL and HL core with answer key.
• Mistakes to Avoid on the IB Biology Exam: Short video in which an IB Biology teacher explains the mistakes students typically make "from mistakes [she's] personally seen students make and from reading the examiner's reports for the 2011 and 2012 IB Biology exams."
• 50 Question Quiz for Core Concepts : Short quiz for Standard Level or Higher Level students covering the core concepts of IB Biology.
• 50 Question Quiz for Core and Additional Higher Level Concepts : Short quiz for Higher Level students covering the core concepts and Additional Higher Level topics for IB Biology HL.

What's Next?

Want a more in-depth look at what IB Biology covers? Read our guide to the Complete IB Biology Syllabus SL/HL .

A review book can be your best study tool for IB. To make sure you get a good one, check out our guide on the best IB Biology books . You can also supplement your studying with our articles on enzymes , functions of the cell membrane and endoplasmic reticulum , cell theory , the photosynthesis equation , and homologous vs. analogous structures .

Not sure whether you should take IB or AP classes? Read our guide: What's Better for You: IB or AP? to learn which you should take!

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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IB Biology 8.3 - Photosynthesis

11th - 12th grade.

32 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

What is used to reduce NADP in the light dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

Conversion of ATP into ADP +P i

Electrons from photosystem I

Protons from the thylakoid space

Oxygen from the photolysis of water

Which space has the highest H + concentration in a chloroplast?

Thylakoid space

Intermembrane space

Which reactions do not cause a net release of energy?

ADP combines with inorganic phosphate to form ATP

ATP releases inorganic phosphate to form ADP

Loss of hydrogen from reduced NAD

Oxidation of reduced FAD

Which process occurs during the light dependent reaction of photosynthesis?

ATP, CO 2 and H 2 O are produced

CO 2 is used to produce carbohydrates

ATP and O 2 are produced

RuBP is phosphorylated

Besides ATP and O 2 , what other compound is produced as a result of the light dependent reactions?

NADPH (reduced NADP)

What feature of carbon makes it most suitable as a basis for life?

It is abundant in nature

Its bonding properties

Its reactivity to light

Its presence in the early atmosphere of Earth

What is reduced by photosystem I?

What is produced by chemiosmosis?

Where does photoactivation of electrons take place

Photosystems I and II

Photosystem I only

Photosystem II only

Electron Transfer Chain

What is produced by the photolysis of two water molecules?

O 2 + 4H + + 4e -

O 2 + 4H + + 2e - 

1 / 2 O 2 + 2H + + 2e - 

1 / 2 O 2 + 2H + + 4e - 

• 11. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What does carbon combine with to form glucose?  NADPH ATP RuBP G3P
• 12. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt How many G3P molecules make one molecule of glucose?  1 2 3 4
• 13. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Where do the dark reactions take place?  thylakoid membrane lumen stroma
• 14. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What does NADPH do?  carries electrons to the Calvin cycle carries electrons to the ETC
• 15. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What happens to NADPH and ATP after they are used in the Calvin Cycle? they recycle back to the light reactions they are used to make G3P
• 16. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt The two main stages of photosynthesis are the light reactions and respiration dark reactions and the Calvin cycle  light reactions and the Calvin cycle dark reactions and fermentation
• 17. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What happens to the remaining G3P molecules in the last step of the dark reactions? They are used to make glucose. They are reshuffled to make CO 2 by adding ATP. They exit the cycle. They are reshuffled to make RuBP by adding ATP. 
• 18. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt In green plants, the primary function of the Calvin cycle is to Use ATP to release carbon Split water to release oxygen. Construct simple sugars from carbon dioxide. Use NADPH to release carbon
• 19. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is NOT a reactant of the dark reactions? NADPH ATP Oxygen Carbon dioxide
• 20. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is NOT a product of the dark reactions?  NADP+ NADPH ATP G3P (to form glucose)
• 21. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What is made during the light independent reactions? ATP NADPH sugar fat
• 22. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt TRUE or FALSE.  The Calvin Cycle can happen during the day. True false
• 23. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt True or False.   The Calvin Cycle can happen at night. true false
• 24. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is NOT a reactant of the Calvin Cycle? NADPH ATP Oxygen Carbon dioxide
• 25. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What is the name of the simple sugar that is produced in photosynthesis? Sucrose Dextrose Glucose Lactose
• 26. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt To bring in nonliving carbon (CO2) and use it to make organic compounds is a process called _______________. carbon fixiation cellular respiration catabolic reactions mitosis
• 28. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Cacti and pineapples are examples of plants that carry out the _____ pathway in photosynthesis. CAM C4 C3
• 29. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Corn and sugarcane are examples of plants that carry out the _____ pathway in photosynthesis. CAM C4 C3
• 30. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Most plants carry out the _____ pathway in photosynthesis. CAM C4 C3
• 31. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which enzyme joins CO2 and RuBP? NADP+ reductase rubisco ATP synthase
• 32. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Where do NADP+ and ADP produced in the Calvin cycle go?  Back to the light reactions out of the chloroplast

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Attention BioNinjas

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The old version of the website is not gone – it has just been moved here: https://old-ib.bioninja.com.au

JANUARY UPDATE:

Completed topics: Biomolecules, Cells, Metabolism, Genetics, Heredity (SL)

Extra resources for Biomolecules and Cells (powerpoints, notes, practicals)

Welcome to the new BioNinja website!

This site is being built to cover the new IB curriculum (2023) and as such is still a work in progress (there is no actual content yet!).

Currently, the site exists more to give you an idea of how the information can be organised (especially if you don’t like the pre-existing themes).

I hope to get round to working on the content by the end of this year, meaning there will hopefully be a functional site for 2024.

In the meantime, continue to make use of the current version of the website as it still covers much of the necessary content.

Remember, the current version of the syllabus will still be being taught to students until the end of 2024.