Grade 11

TOPIC TEST: PHOTOSYNTHESIS

MARKS: 50 TIME: 60 minutes

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SECTION A

Question 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1.1 to 1.1.3) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.4 D.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following is a requirement in the dark phase of photosynthesis?

A Carbon dioxide
B Oxygen
C Radiant energy
DWater

1.1.2 The light phase of photosynthesis takes place …

A when light is absent.

B when light is present.
C during the night and day.
D continuously.

1.1.3 Which ONE of the following graphs (A-D) represents the relationship between light
intensity and the rate of photosynthesis most accurately?

A B C D

Light intensity
(3 x 2) (6)

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only
the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.4) in the ANSWER BOOK.
Copyright Reserved
Life Sciences 2 Test: Photosynthesis
NSC – Grade 11

1.2.1 The phase of photosynthesis that is independent of light

1.2.2 Openings in a leaf through which gaseous exchange takes place during
photosynthesis

1.2.3 An energy-rich carbohydrate that is formed during photosynthesis

1.2.4 A molecule that serves as an energy carrier during photosynthesis

to help make organic molecules
(4)
TOTAL SECTION A: 10
SECTION B

Question 2

2.1 The diagram below represents the chloroplast in which photosynthesis takes place.

2.1.1 Give the LETTER and NAME of the part:

(a) Which stores the product of photosynthesis (2)

(b) Where carbon dioxide is used (2)

(c) Which contains chlorophyll (2)

2.1.2 Describe the role of water as a requirement in photosynthesis. (2)

2.1.3 State TWO ways in which photosynthesis is biologically important. (2)

Life Sciences 3 Test: Photosynthesis
NSC – Grade 11

(10)
2.2 The passage below relates to the agricultural use and manipulation of the factors that affect
the rate of photosynthesis.

THE AGRICULTURAL USE OF THE FACTORS

THAT LIMIT PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Flowers, fruit and vegetables can all be grown in plastic tunnels or

greenhouses. The farmers use these structures to regulate the light
intensity, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration.

Artificial lighting in greenhouses increases the light intensity. The glass or

plastic walls of the greenhouses trap the heat of the sun within the
structures, thereby raising the temperature. Carbon dioxide concentration of
the air within the structure is increased by pumping carbon dioxide into the
structure.

This ensures that plants grow as fast as possible and to maximize the crop
yield.

2.2.1 Name THREE limiting factors of photosynthesis that are mentioned

in the passage. (3)

2.2.2 Explain why a continuous increase in carbon dioxide levels will not
cause the rate of photosynthesis to increase continuously. (4)

2.2.3 Explain ONE other value of greenhouses to agriculture, besides its

influence on the limiting factors of photosynthesis. (2)

(9)
[19]
Life Sciences 4 Test:
Photosynthesis
NSC – Grade 11

Question 3

3.1 An investigation was conducted to find out whether light is necessary for
photosynthesis.

The procedure followed is given below:

• A geranium potted-plant was de-starched by placing it in a dark

cupboard for 48 hours.
• A cross-shaped light-slit was cut out on aluminium foil.
• The aluminium foil stencil was then clipped onto one of the de-starched
leaves, as shown in the diagram below.
• The potted plant was exposed to bright sunlight for 5 hours.
• After 5 hours, the aluminium foil stencil was removed and the leaf was
tested for starch.

De-starched leaf
Aluminium foil stencil

3.1.1 Explain why the plant was de-starched. (2)

3.1.2 Describe the steps, in the correct sequence, that were followed
during the starch test. (4)

3.1.3 Draw a labelled diagram of the leaf showing the result of the
investigation. Use a pencil and shade the parts which tested positive for starch.
(3)
(9)
Life Sciences 5 Test:
Photosynthesis
NSC – Grade 11

3.2 The apparatus shown below was used in an investigation to determine the effect
of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

Gas bubbles

Water with sodium

Lamp
bicarbonate
Water plant

The distance between the light source (lamp) and the apparatus (with
a water plant) was changed at regular intervals, recording the number
of bubbles released by the water plant at each distance.

The results are shown in the table below.

Distance
between lamp 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 360 400 440
and plant (mm)
Bubbles formed
per minute 30 30 30 25 15 10 5 3 2 0 0

3.2.1 For the above investigation, state:

(a) The dependent variable (1)

(b) How the dependent variable was measured (1)
(c) The independent variable (1)
(d) How the independent variable was varied (1)

3.2.2 State the function of sodium bicarbonate in this investigation. (1)

3.2.3 State ONE way in which the reliability of the investigation could be
increased. (1)

3.2.2 Plot a line graph to represent the data obtained during this
Life Sciences 6 Test:
Photosynthesis
NSC – Grade 11
investigation. (6)
(12)

(21)

TOTAL SECTION B: [40]

GRAND TOTAL: 50 MARKS