Biology 189 Chapter 5: Photosynthesis

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from Chapter 5 on Photosynthesis.

Organelle

A membrane-bounded structure that has a specific function within a cell.

Cell

The fundamental unit of life; multicellular organisms consist of many cells, while unicellular organisms consist of one cell.

Tissue

A collection of specialized cells functioning in a coordinated fashion in multicellular life.

Population

A group of the same species of organism living in the same place and time.

Organism

A single living individual.

Organ

A structure consisting of tissues organized to interact and carry out specific functions.

Organ system

Organs connected physically or chemically that function together.

Community

All populations that occupy the same region.

Ecosystem

The living and nonliving components of an area.

Biosphere

The global ecosystem; the parts of the planet and its atmosphere where life is possible.

Autotroph

Organisms that synthesize their own food, which is then used to synthesize ATP in respiration.

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain energy from food by eating other organisms.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy.

Rubisco

The key enzyme in the Calvin cycle involved in carbon fixation.

Photorespiration

A process where Rubisco mistakenly binds oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, which can reduce sugar production.

C4 photosynthesis

A type of photosynthesis that utilizes an enzyme other than Rubisco and occurs in warm-climate plants.

CAM photosynthesis

A type of photosynthesis that occurs in desert plants, where stomata open at night to take in CO2.

Calvin cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis that takes place in the chloroplast's stroma, utilizing ATP and NADPH.

Thylakoid

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle takes place.

Chloroplasts

Organelles specialized for photosynthesis.