Unit C: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration - Lesson 1 Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, energy conversion pathways, ATP structure and function, and the stages of aerobic respiration.

Photosynthesis

The process performed by plants of trapping radiant energy from the sun, converting it into chemical energy, and storing it as glucose; it is an anabolic pathway that occurs in chloroplasts.

Cellular Respiration

The process performed by animals of trapping and breaking down chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose into $ATP$ ($ext{usable energy}$); it is a catabolic pathway that occurs in mitochondria.

Anabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that synthesize larger molecules from smaller ones and require energy, making them $ext{endothermic}$; an example is photosynthesis.

Catabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that break down larger molecules into smaller ones and release energy, making them $ext{exothermic}$; an example is cellular respiration.

$ATP$ ($ext{Adenosine Triphosphate}$)

The body's energy "currency" used for functions such as active transport, chromosomal movement, cell movement, muscle contraction, and synthesis of macromolecules.

$$ATP = ADP + P$$

The chemical equation representing the release of energy when the third phosphate group breaks off from a high-energy molecule.

Matrix

The fluid-filled space of the inner mitochondrial membrane that contains enzymes for breaking down carbohydrates and other high energy molecules.

Cristae

Folds found within the inner mitochondrial membrane that provide a large surface area for $ATP$ production.

Photosynthesis Equation

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ext{energy (light)} ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Cellular Respiration Equation

$$C_6H_{12}O_6(s) + 6O_2(g) ightarrow 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l) + ext{energy (heat)}$$

Oxidation

A process occurring when an atom or molecule loses an electron; remembered by the mnemonics $ext{LEO}$ ($ext{Lose Electrons Oxidized}$) or $ext{OIL}$ ($ext{Oxidation Is Loss}$).

Reduction

A process occurring when an atom or molecule gains an electron; remembered by the mnemonics $ext{GER}$ ($ext{Gain Electrons Reduced}$) or $ext{RIG}$ ($ext{Reduction Is Gain}$).

Reducing Power

The energy available in reduced molecules; for example, $NAD^+$ gaining an electron ($H$).

$36$ to $38$

The number of $ATP$ molecules produced by the breakdown of one glucose molecule.

Aerobic respiration

Cellular respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic respiration

Cellular respiration that occurs without the presence of oxygen.

Glycolysis

The first step of aerobic cellular respiration, which occurs in the cytoplasm.

Pyruvate Oxidation

A step in aerobic cellular respiration that occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.

Krebs Cycle

A step in aerobic cellular respiration that occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.

Electron Transport Chain / Chemiosmosis

Main steps of aerobic cellular respiration that occur in the inner membrane of the mitochondria.