Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
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Look at leaves of the same plant on the shady side and compare it with the leaves on the sunny side. Or, compare the potted plants kept in the sunlight with those in the shade. Which of them has leaves that are darker green? Why?

The leaves on the shady side or those kept in the shade have leaves that are darker green. This is because light is a limiting factor for photosynthesis. In order to increase the rate of photosynthesis, the leaves present in shade have more chlorophyll pigments. This increase in chlorophyll content increases the amount of light absorbed by the leaves, which in turn increases the rate of photosynthesis. 

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    Figure 13.10 shows the effect of light on the rate of photosynthesis. Based on the graph, answer the following questions:

    (a) At which point/s (A, B or C) in the curve is light a limiting factor?

    (b) What could be the limiting factor/s in region A?

    (c) What do C and D represent on the curve?

    Answer
    Suppose there were plants that had a high concentration of Chlorophyll-b, but lacked chlorophyll-a, would it carry out photosynthesis? Then why do plants have chlorophyll-b and other accessory pigments?
    Answer
    Why is the colour of a leaf kept in the dark frequently yellow, or pale green? Which pigment do you think is more stable?
    Answer

    Give comparison between C3 and C4 pathways.

    Answer
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