NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 - Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Photosynthesis In Higher Plants
1. What are the main steps of solving NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants as per CBSE 2025–26 guidelines?
To solve NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants, follow these steps:
- Read the question to identify the concept (e.g., pathways, pigment functions, or comparison tasks).
- Refer to diagrams or tables from NCERT for visual clarity.
- Write stepwise, concise answers using correct biological terms.
- Support explanations with brief scientific reasoning where needed.
- Follow the marking pattern recommended by CBSE 2025–26.
2. How can you distinguish between C3 and C4 plants using NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
- External observation alone cannot confirm C3 or C4 status, but internal anatomy using a microscope reveals distinctions.
- C4 plants exhibit Kranz anatomy (distinct bundle sheath cells with abundant chloroplasts), while C3 plants do not.
3. Why do C4 plants demonstrate higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to C3 plants? (FUQ)
C4 plants have specialized bundle-sheath cells that concentrate CO2 around RuBisCO, minimizing photorespiration and thereby increasing photosynthesis rates, making them more productive under high temperature and light conditions.
4. What role do accessory pigments play in photosynthesis, according to NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
- Accessory pigments like chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and xanthophylls expand the range of light absorption.
- They transfer energy to chlorophyll a and protect it from photo-oxidation, ensuring optimal photosynthetic efficiency.
5. Would a plant with only chlorophyll b (and no chlorophyll a) be able to perform photosynthesis? Explain. (FUQ)
No, because chlorophyll a is the primary pigment necessary for trapping light energy and initiating the photosynthetic reaction center. Chlorophyll b and other pigments assist, but cannot replace chlorophyll a's core function as per CBSE 2025–26 standard.
6. How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis as explained in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
- At low light intensities, light is the limiting factor for photosynthesis (see point A on the typical rate curve).
- As light increases, the rate rises until other factors (CO2 concentration or temperature) become limiting.
7. What is the Kranz anatomy and why is it significant in C4 plants? (FUQ)
Kranz anatomy refers to the arrangement of bundle sheath cells around vascular bundles in C4 leaves. This structure allows efficient CO2 fixation and is key for reducing photorespiration in C4 plants.
8. Compare cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation as per NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11. (FUQ)
- Cyclic photophosphorylation involves only Photosystem I and generates ATP but not NADPH or oxygen.
- Non-cyclic photophosphorylation uses both Photosystems I and II, producing ATP, NADPH, and releasing oxygen via water photolysis.
9. Why are leaves kept in continuous darkness often yellow or pale green, as described in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
In darkness, chlorophyll a degrades quickly due to lack of light-dependent stability, leaving more stable pigments like xanthophylls and carotenoids, which are yellow, resulting in a yellow or pale appearance.
10. What is the significance of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis in higher plants? (FUQ)
The Calvin cycle converts atmospheric CO2 into glucose, thus storing solar energy as chemical energy for plant growth and metabolism, serving as the key step in photosynthetic carbon fixation.
11. Can you explain the effect of shading on leaf color using NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Solutions?
Shaded leaves generally have a darker green color because they synthesize more chlorophyll to maximize light absorption under low-light conditions, as per CBSE 2025–26 principles.
12. What benefits do NCERT Solutions offer for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 Photosynthesis in Higher Plants?
NCERT Solutions provide:
- Stepwise answers from experts as per the latest CBSE syllabus.
- Clarification of complex topics through diagrams.
- Practice for both theoretical and objective-style exams.
- Concise summaries for effective revision.
13. How does photorespiration differ between C3 and C4 plants? (FUQ)
- C3 plants experience higher photorespiration due to RuBisCO's oxygenase activity in the presence of oxygen.
- C4 plants minimize photorespiration by concentrating CO2 in bundle-sheath cells, making the process negligible.
14. What factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis, according to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
Key limiting factors include:
- Light intensity
- Available CO2
- Temperature
- Water availability
15. Why should students use NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 11 to prepare for board and competitive exams? (FUQ)
Using NCERT Solutions ensures students learn concepts and answer-writing techniques as per CBSE 2025–26 patterns, supporting both board exam readiness and foundational NEET biology preparation.











