Topic 13: Photosynthesis (CIE A-level Biology)

This bundle contains 5 fully-resourced lessons which are highly detailed and will engage and motivate the students whilst the following content that is set out in topic 13 of the CIE A-level Biology specification is covered:

Topic 13.1

• Energy transferred as ATP and reduced NADP from the light dependent stage is used during the Calvin cycle to produce complex organic molecules
• The sites of the light-dependent and light-independent stages of photosynthesis
• The light-dependent stage as the photoactivation of chlorophyll, the photolysis of water and the transfer of energy to ATP and reduced NADP
• Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation
• The three main stages of the Calvin cycle
• The conversion of Calvin cycle intermediates to carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids

Topic 13.2

• Explain the term limiting factor in relation to photosynthesis
• Explain the effects of changes in light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature on the rate of photosynthesis
• Explain how an understanding of limiting factors is used to increase crop yields in protected environments

The lesson PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of tasks which include exam-style questions, whole class discussion periods and quiz competitions which are designed to introduce key terms and values in a memorable way.