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Photosynthesis Equation Problem - ??

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Photosynthesis Equation Problem - ??

Postby rachiepach » Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:47 am

For Biology, I have a review packet that I need to complete and I just don't get this problem.

Using the photosynthesis equation, determine how man glucose molecules can be made if 10 CO2 molecules and 24 H2O molecules are available. Explain your answer.

So if the photosynthesis equation is 6H20 + 6CO2 + LIGHT ENERGY ---CHLOROPHYLL--> C6H12O6 +6O2

would you add the molecules to the reactant side and try to balance the equation?? :|

If you could please help/explain that would be awesome!! Thank you SO much!!! :)
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Postby JackBean » Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:31 am

From the equation you see, that for each CO2 you need one H2O (or vice versa;), so you have apparently more H2O, than you need (24 vs. 10 CO2). So, CO2 is limiting and thus you can build up 1 and 2/3 of Glc (you will get 3 3-carbon molecules and 1 CO2 left), pick, which one you like :)

Cis or trans? That's what matters.
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Postby jwalin » Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:21 am

jackbean hits the nail on its head.
very true.
now do you understand whats meant by a limitimg reagant if not then shoot a question.
now as i see jackbean also explained that.

a good example for limiting reagant would be like you have 4 wheels and 10 steerings how many cars (the regular 4 wheeled ones) can you make?
1 or 10?
1, why?
you have 10 steerings why not make 10 cars?
but you don't have enough wheels. wheels is the limiting reagant
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