Bio Ch. 6

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Photosynthesis Equation

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Chloroplasts

Organelles where photosynthesis occurs in plant cells.

Importance of Photosynthesis

Forms the basis of the food chain and produces the oxygen we breathe.

Cellular Respiration

Process that breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP.

Cellular Respiration Equation - Glucose + Oxygen > Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.

Mitochondrial matrix

Cell organelles where cellular respiration takes place.

Significance of Cellular Respiration

Critical for providing energy required for cellular processes and maintaining life.

Oxygen in Breathing

Supplies O₂ to cells for cellular respiration and generates ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of cells, produced during cellular respiration.

Energy from Food

Food such as sugars, fats, and proteins serves as fuel for cellular activities.

Main Fuel in Cellular Respiration

Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is the primary fuel utilized.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

Processes pyruvate to release CO₂ and produce ATP and electron carriers.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Produces 28 ATP by using electrons from NADH and oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

How ATP is Made

ATP is synthesized from ADP and inorganic phosphate during the Electron Transport Chain.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

Occurs in muscle cells, producing lactic acid, and is involved in food production.

Alcoholic Fermentation

Carried out by yeast, producing ethanol and CO₂, central to brewing and baking.

Importance of Fermentation

Provides energy during anaerobic conditions when oxygen is low.

Fats in Energy Production

Broken down into fatty acids that enter the citric acid cycle.

Proteins as Fuel

Split into amino acids that can enter cellular respiration pathways.

Feedback Inhibition

Adaptive process where excess amino acids downregulate metabolic pathways to conserve resources.

Homeostasis and Energy Use

The body's mechanism to maintain efficient energy usage based on supply and demand.

ATP Synthase

Enzyme that drives the synthesis of ATP using the flow of H+ ions.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in Photosynthesis

A reactant that is converted into glucose during photosynthesis.

Water (H₂O) in Photosynthesis

A reactant that is utilized alongside CO₂ to produce glucose in photosynthesis.

Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) in Cellular Respiration

The molecule that is broken down during cellular respiration to release energy.

NADH in Cellular Respiration

An electron carrier produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Oxygen (O₂) in Cellular Respiration

A reactant that acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

Pyruvate in Cellular Respiration

The product of glycolysis that enters the citric acid cycle.

Heat in Cellular Respiration

The energy dissipated as heat during the metabolic processes.

ATP Production Yield

Cellular respiration captures approximately 34% of the energy in glucose.

Glucose Metabolism

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP during respiration.

Role of Chlorophyll

Captures sunlight essential for photosynthesis in chloroplasts.

Waste Products of Cellular Respiration

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are produced as by-products.

Anaerobic Conditions

Environment in which cells can generate energy without oxygen, via fermentation.

Glucose Breakdown

The metabolic process where glucose is oxidized to release energy.

Energy Conservation

The body's ability to regulate energy use to maintain function and efficiency.

Thermoregulation and Body Warmth

Heat produced during cellular respiration aids in maintaining body temperature.

Fermented Food Products

Foods like yogurt and cheese that are produced through fermentation processes.

Yeast Fermentation

The process where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and CO₂.

Muscle Soreness

A result of lactic acid buildup during lactic acid fermentation.

Chloroplasts vs. Mitochondria

Chloroplasts are sites of photosynthesis; mitochondria are sites of cellular respiration.