Photosynthesis in Higher Plants: NEET questions with solutions

This chapter tests the site and mechanism of the light reactions and the biosynthetic phase, the early experiments (Priestley, Ingenhousz, Sachs, Engelmann, van Niel) that built our understanding of photosynthesis, the C₃ Calvin cycle versus the C₄ pathway with Kranz anatomy, photorespiration, and the factors limiting the rate of photosynthesis. NEET marks are often lost by mixing up PS I/PS II, cyclic/non-cyclic photophosphorylation, and C₃/C₄ distinctions.

1. 1.Within the chloroplast, the light reactions of photosynthesis and the carbon-fixation reactions occur in two distinct sub-compartments.…Where does photosynthesis take placeEasySingle correct
2. 2.Photosynthetic pigments can be separated into distinct coloured bands by paper chromatography. Among chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b…Pigments involved in photosynthesisEasySingle correct
3. 3.Cornelius van Niel studied purple and green sulphur bacteria, which photosynthesise using H₂S instead of H₂O as the hydrogen donor and…Early experiments — van NielMediumSingle correct
4. 4.Photosystem I and Photosystem II each have a reaction-centre chlorophyll a molecule, named after the wavelength at which it shows its…Light reaction — photosystemsMediumSingle correct
5. 5.The light reaction of photosynthesis can proceed along two alternative electron-flow routes through the photosystems, each yielding a…The electron transport — photophosphorylationMediumStatement based
6. 6.The biosynthetic phase of photosynthesis begins when a specific five-carbon acceptor molecule reacts with CO₂ in the chloroplast stroma.…Calvin cycle (C₃ pathway)MediumStatement based
7. 7.Plants such as maize and sugarcane show Kranz anatomy. They first fix CO₂ in their mesophyll cells using PEP carboxylase (PEPcase), and the…The C₄ pathwayHardSingle correct
8. 8.RuBisCO's active site can bind both CO₂ and O₂, and the relative concentration of the two gases decides which one binds. Evaluate the…PhotorespirationHardAssertion–Reason
9. 9.According to the chemiosmotic hypothesis of ATP synthesis in chloroplasts, protons (H⁺) accumulate in a particular compartment during the…ATP synthesis — chemiosmotic hypothesisMediumSingle correct
10. 10.A crop is grown under bright sunlight with adequate water, but the surrounding air has an unusually low CO₂ concentration. According to…Factors affecting photosynthesisEasySingle correct