Virtual Cell Learning Objectives Draft, Version 2 (Photosynthesis Excerpt)
Ganesh Padmanabhan
4/08/2004
Module Photosynthesis:
Expected (?):
1. The learner should recognize that photosynthesis is a process that occurs within
the chloroplasts of a cell.
2. The learner should recognize that photosynthesis is divided into two sets of
reactions, light reactions and dark reactions.
3. The learner should recognize that the light reactions of photosynthesis require
light in order to work.
4. The learner should recognize that chlorophyll is a key molecule used to harvest
energy from light.
5. The learner should recognize that the light reactions of photosynthesis occur
across the thylakoid membrane inside the chloroplast.
6. Given a cross-sectional diagram of the thylakoid membrane and a visual
representation of the concentration of hydrogen ions on both sides of the
membrane, the learner should be able to identify which way, if any, the ions
would flow if the membrane were removed.
7. The learner should be able to identify the important product of the light reactions,
namely ATP.
8. The learner should be able to identify the final electron recipient in the light
reactions, namely NADP.
9. The learner should be able to identify the primary donor of electrons into the light
reactions of photosynthesis, namely water (h2o).
10. Given a cross-sectional diagram of the thylakoid membrane and four empty slots,
the learner should be able to order from left to right indicating the flow of
electrons between the following four components involved in the light reactions
of photosynthesis: photosystem I, cytochrome b6-f, photosystem II, NADP
reducatase.
11. Given the following electron carriers (h2o, photosystem I, photosystem II,
plastiquinone, cytochrome b6-f, ferridoxin, NADP reductase, NADP), the learner
should be able to order these carriers in the sequence that electrons would flow
normally in the light reactions from start to finish.
12. The learner should recognize that the light reactions of photosynthesis are a
process that is auxiliary to ATP production.
13. The learner should recognize that the role of an electron transport chain in
photosynthesis is to pump hydrogen ions out of the thylakoid space and into the
stroma so that ATP can be produced.
14. The learner should be able to diagram a chloroplast and label the outer membrane,
inner membrane, thylakoid membrane, inter-membrane space, stroma, and
thylakoid space.
15. Given a diagram of a chloroplast, and ATP synthase oriented properly across the
thylakoid membrane, the learner should be able to orient a hydrogen ion pump
appropriately so that ATP synthase can produce ATP.
16. The learner should recognize that the following terms are related to ATP synthesis
in the light reactions of photosynthesis: O2, H2O, ATP, NADP, NADP reductase,
plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f, photosystem I, photosystem II, ATP
synthase, P680, P700.
17. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which ones
pump ions across the membrane.
18. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which ones
shuttle electrons between components embedded in the membrane.
19. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which one is
the final recipient of electrons.
20. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which ones
are not bound by the membrane..
21. For each electron carrier shuttle, the learner should be able to identify between
which two components the carrier shuttles electrons.
Not Expected but Possible:
1. The learner should be able to identify whether electrons “enter” the light reactions
from the stroma space or the thylakoid space.
2. The learner should be able to identify whether electrons “exit” the light reactions
from the stroma space or the thylakoid space.
3. For each transmembrane component involved in the light reactions, the learner
should be able to identify both from which carrier it receives electrons and to
which carrier it donates electrons.
4. The learner should recognize that the role of light in photosynthesis is to energize
electrons so that they continue to move through an electron transport chain
imbedded within the thylakoid membrane.
5. The learner should recognize that the light reactions of photosynthesis are an
electron transport chain containing two components which interact with light
(photosystem I and II).
6. The learner should be able to identify which of the following components of the
light reactions are directly involved in pumping H+ across the thylakoid
membrane, namely cytochrome b6-f.
7. The learner should be able to identify which terms amongst those involved in
photosynthesis and other cellular processes are directly involved in the light
reactions of photosynthesis.
8. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which ones
bring electrons out of the light reactions of photosynthesis.
9. Given a list of the electron carriers in the light reactions of photosynthesis (H2O,
ATP, NADP, NADP reductase, plastiquinone, ferridoxin, cytochrome b6-f,
photosystem I, photosystem II), the learner should be able to identify which ones
bring electrons into the light reactions of photosynthesis.
Not Likely at All (removed):
1. The learner should recognize if the light reactions of photosynthesis were to
cease, the dark reactions would eventually also stop.
2. The learner should recognize that the light reactions are a variation of the electron
transport chain found in the mitochondrion.
3. The learner should be able to discriminate what is different about the electron
transport chain found in the light reactions of photosynthesis and the reactions
within the mitochondria.
4. The learner should recognize that photosystem I is activated by photons with a
wavelength of 700 nm.
5. The learner should recognize that photosystem II is activated by photons with a
wavelength of 680 nm.