Autumn Photosynthesis Worksheet

Name:

Date:

🍂 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Oxygen + water → glucose + carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide + glucose → water + oxygen

2. Which green pigment is essential for photosynthesis?

Carotene

Chlorophyll

Anthocyanin

Xanthophyll

3. In autumn, leaves change colour because:

Chlorophyll breaks down and other pigments become visible

New coloured pigments are produced

The leaves absorb different wavelengths of light

Water stops flowing to the leaves

4. Which factors affect the rate of photosynthesis? (Select all that apply)

Light intensity

Temperature

Carbon dioxide concentration

Wind speed

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer Questions

5. Complete the sentence: Photosynthesis takes place in the _________ of plant cells, specifically in structures called _________.

6. Explain why photosynthesis slows down in autumn. Include at least two reasons in your answer.

7. Label the diagram of a leaf cross-section below with the following terms: chloroplast, guard cell, stomata, palisade mesophyll

Support: The palisade mesophyll is the upper layer where most photosynthesis occurs. Stomata are tiny pores for gas exchange.

8. Describe what happens to the glucose produced during photosynthesis. Give two uses.

🌟 Part 3: Application & Extension

9. A student investigates photosynthesis using pondweed. They count oxygen bubbles produced at different light intensities. Predict what would happen to bubble production as light intensity increases and explain why.

10. Extension Challenge: Evergreen trees (like pine and spruce) keep their leaves in winter whilst deciduous trees lose theirs. Using your knowledge of photosynthesis, suggest why evergreen trees might have an advantage in winter, but also explain why they grow more slowly than deciduous trees in summer.

11. Real-world Connection: Climate change is increasing global temperatures. Predict how this might affect autumn leaf colour changes and explain your reasoning.

Teacher Notes - Differentiation Strategies:

• For students who have missed lessons: Provide the photosynthesis equation as a reference
• For additional support: Allow use of textbooks for questions 6-8
• For advanced learners: Encourage research into specific pigment molecules (carotenoids, anthocyanins) for question 10
• Alternative assessment: Students can draw and annotate autumn leaf changes instead of written explanations