Biology, Eighth Edition (Raven)

Objective: Students will be able to identify in concept how scientists are utilizing plants ability to turn sunlight into energy in creating a tiny, spinach-powered battery that could one day be used to power small electrical devices.

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1.		Photosynthesis is best identified below as:
			A)	the process of warming the earth through radiant energy.
			B)	a plants ability to produce energy through sunlight.
			C)	the process of converting sugar into ATP.
			D)	a plant’s ability to grow regardless of the amount of light given to it.
2.		The photosynthesis process is powered by:
			A)	a plants ability to create sugar.
			B)	a plants ability to obtain nutrients from the soil.
			C)	a plants ability to convert photon energy from the sun into electrons.
			D)	a plants ability to release oxygen into the air.
3.		The specific part of the photosynthetic process that is involved in the production of electrons that could be harnessed to conduct electricity is:
			A)	Photosystem I
			B)	Photosystem II
			C)	The Calvin Cycle
			D)	The Kreb’s cycle
4.		Why is spinach the plant of choice for this solar cell research?
			A)	It has a high level of chlorophyll pigment
			B)	It is rich with iron to enhance conductivity
			C)	It can be frozen with no damage to the cells
			D)	It is readily available and purchased at low cost
5.		What problem needs further research to make a spinach powered battery a reality?
			A)	The spinach battery does not last for extended lengths of time.
			B)	The researchers can’t determine how to involve water in an electronic system.
			C)	Other plant choices have to be examined for their effectiveness.
			D)	There doesn’t appear to be enough electricity produced to drive small electronic devices.