AP Biology Syllabus - Unit 4: Photosynthesis
Essential Questions:
1. How does energy get converted from one form to another?
2. How can energy from the sun be converted into food or structural molecules?
Required Reading:
Chapter 10 (All)
Homework:
Unit 4 Guided Reading Questions (Due at end of unit)
Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis Pre-Lab Activity (Due before school on day of lab)
Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis Lab Write-Up (Due Thursday after lab)
In-Class Work: CPS Reviews, Bioflix Study Sheet for Photosynthesis
Online Quiz: Chapter 10
AP Lab: Photosynthesis
Unit Exam (50 pts):
30 Multiple Choice Questions (30 pts – 1 pt per question)
1 Take-Home Essay Question (20 pts – 10 pts x 2)
Schedule: (See “Weekly Outline” on course website for potential adjustments)
Date
Monday
10/11
Tuesday
10/12
Wednesday
10/13
Thursday
10/14
Lesson Topics
-Distribute Unit 4 Syllabus & Unit 4 Guided Reading
-Photosynthesis Background Information
-Unit 4 Exam Corrections
-PLAN/PSAT testing (No Class)
-Lecture: Photosynthesis
Assignments
-Read Concepts 10.1
-Answer Guided Reading Questions
-Read Concept 10.2
-Answer Guided Reading Questions
-Read Concept 10.3
-Answer Guided Reading Questions
-Read Concept 10.4
-Answer Guided Reading Questions
-Online Quiz #6 (Chapter 10)
(Due Monday, 10/18 by 7:45 am)
Monday
10/18
-C3 vs C4 vs CAM Plants
-BioFlix: Photosynthesis
Tuesday
10/19
Thursday
10/21
-Review for Unit 4 Exam
-Unit 4 Exam Essay (Take-Home)
-Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis Pre-Lab Activity
-Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis Lab
-Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis Lab Handout
Friday
10/22
-BioFlix Study Sheet for Photosynthesis
(Due in class)
(Due Thursday, 10/21 by 9:00 am)
(Due Thursday, 10/28)
-Study for Unit 4 Exam
-Unit 4 Exam
Unit 4: Photosynthesis
Learning Targets
Chapter 10: Photosynthesis
Explain the role of catabolic and anabolic pathways in cellular metabolism.
Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.
Distinguish between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.
Describe the structure of a chloroplast, listing all membranes and compartments.
Write a summary equation for photosynthesis.
Explain van Niel's hypothesis and describe how it contributed to our current understanding of photosynthesis.
Explain the evidence that supported his hypothesis.
In general terms, explain the role of redox reactions in photosynthesis.
Describe the two main stages of photosynthesis in general terms.
Describe the relationship between an action spectrum and an absorption spectrum. Explain why the action
spectrum for photosynthesis differs from the absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a.
Explain how carotenoids protect the cell from damage by light.
List the wavelengths of light that are most effective for photosynthesis.
Explain what happens when a solution of chlorophyll a absorbs photons. Explain what happens when chlorophyll a
in an intact chloroplast absorbs photons.
List the components of a photosystem and explain the function of each component.
Trace the movement of electrons in noncyclic electron flow. Trace the movement of electrons in cyclic electron
flow.
Explain the functions of cyclic and noncyclic electron flow.
Describe the similarities and differences in chemiosmosis between oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and
photophosphorylation in chloroplasts.
State the function of each of the three phases of the Calvin cycle.
Describe the role of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin cycle.
Describe what happens to rubisco when O2 concentration is much higher than CO2 concentration.
Describe the major consequences of photorespiration. Explain why it is thought to be an evolutionary relict.
Describe two important photosynthetic adaptations that minimize photorespiration.
List the possible fates of photosynthetic products.