Science, Tech, Math › Science Photosynthesis Quiz See Whether You Understand the Basics of Photosynthesis Take this quiz to see if you understand the basic principles of photosynthesis and how it works in plants. Jelena Veskovic / Getty Images Science Chemistry Biochemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 1. Light supplies the energy for photosynthesis. What is the overall chemical reaction? Oxygen and water are converted into glucose sugar and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose sugar and oxygen. Sugar is broken into water and oxygen. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are converted into glucose sugar and water. Correct Wrong The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy from sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6 O2 2. Which of the following organisms can perform photosynthesis? animals only plants only plants, algae, some bacteria, some protists only plants and animals Correct Wrong Everyone knows plants perform photosynthesis, but so do algae, some bacteria, some protozoa, and even some animals that contain photosynthetic bacteria. 3. What is the name of the green pigment that captures light for photosynthesis? chlorophyll hemoglobin myoglobin chloroplast Correct Wrong The pigment molecule is called chlorophyll. In plant cells, it's found in an organelle called a chloroplast. Hemoglobin and myoglobin are pigments found in humans and animals. 4. Which of the following might increase the rate of photosynthesis? decreasing the duration of light decreasing the intensity of light increasing the amount of oxygen increasing the amount of carbon dioxide Correct Wrong In order to increase the rate of photosynthesis, you need to supply more of the starting materials, which are carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. Decreasing the exposure to light by diminishing its intensity or duration slows photosynthesis. 5. What are the main color(s) of light absorbed by chlorophyll? green blue and red blue and green yellow Correct Wrong Chlorophyll appears green because it reflects back that color toward your eyes. It actually absorbs blue and red the best. However, most photosynthetic organisms also contain other pigment molecules that can utilize other wavelengths of light. 6. Do 'dark' or light-independent reactions occur in plants during the daytime? yes no Correct Wrong The so-called "dark" reactions don't require light, but they aren't inhibited by it. They can occur whether the Sun is shining or not! 7. Where in plants does most photosynthesis occur? roots flowers leaves All parts of a plant perform photosynthesis. Correct Wrong Photosynthesis occurs in the green tissue of plants. This is primarily in the leaves, although photosynthesis also occurs in stems. Roots aren't exposed to light, so there's no point for a plant to put chlorophyll in them. Flowers serve a reproductive purpose, so again, there's no reason for plants to use them for photosynthesis. 8. Where in plants do carbon dioxide and oxygen enter/exit? root tips stomata of leaves stem flower Correct Wrong Gas exchange occurs primarily through leaf stomata, which are openings on the underside of leaves. 9. What is the starting source of the carbon in the glucose produced by photosynthesis? ATP carbon dioxide cellulose rubisco Correct Wrong The carbon used to make the sugar glucose comes from carbon dioxide gas. 10. Where in the chloroplast do the 'light' or light-dependent reactions occur? stroma on the thylakoid membranes of the grana everywhere in the chloroplast on the thylakoid membranes of the grana Correct Wrong The light-dependent reactions take place on the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast grana. Photosynthesis Quiz You got: % Correct. Getting Better Understanding Photosynthesis Yagi Studio / Getty Images Good work! You didn't get a perfect score on the quiz, but now you should have a better understanding of the basic principle of photosynthesis, which organisms can perform it, and where it occurs in cells. The photosynthesis study guide can walk you through the details if you need to review the concepts. Are you ready for another quiz? See whether you understand the basics of what a mole is in chemistry. Share Your Results Photosynthesis Quiz You got: % Correct. Photosynthesis Prodigy Paper Boat Creative / Getty Images Great job! You did well on the quiz, so you already have a strong foundation, rooted in the basic science of photosynthesis. From here, you might want to see photosynthesis in action with a simple (and fun) floating leaf disc experiment. If you're ready to try another quiz, see if you understand how chemistry explains how things work in everyday life. Share Your Results