Cellular Respiration: Ecological Levels, Cell Structures, & Specific Process Steps

Part 2 of Key Concepts

What is a Decomposer?

An organism (like bacteria or fungi) that breaks down dead plant and animal matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

What is a Primary Consumer?

An organism that eats producers (plants). They are often called Herbivores.

What is a Secondary Consumer?

An organism that eats primary consumers. They can be Carnivores or Omnivores.

What is a Tertiary Consumer?

An organism that eats secondary consumers; usually a top predator in the food chain.

What is NADPH?

An electron carrier molecule. Think of it as an "energy taxi" that carries high-energy electrons from the Light Reactions to the Calvin Cycle.

Where does Photosynthesis occur in the cell?

In the Chloroplast.

Where does Cellular Respiration occur in the cell?

In the Mitochondria (specifically aerobic respiration) and Cytoplasm (glycolysis).

What is the function of Plant Roots?

To absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

What is the function of Plant Stems?

To transport water and nutrients between roots and leaves (via Xylem and Phloem) and support the plant.

What is the function of Plant Leaves?

To capture sunlight for photosynthesis and allow gas exchange through stomata.

What do the arrows in a Food Chain/Web represent?

The flow of energy. (The arrow points TO the organism that is doing the eating/getting the energy).

Where specifically do the Light Dependent Reactions occur?

In the Thylakoids (the green disks inside the Chloroplast).

Where specifically does the Calvin Cycle occur?

In the Stroma (the liquid filled space inside the Chloroplast).

What is Glycolysis?

The first step of Cellular Respiration where glucose is broken in half. It occurs in the cytoplasm and produces 2 ATP.

What is the difference between ATP and ADP?

ATP is like a fully charged battery (3 phosphates); ADP is like a partially charged battery (2 phosphates) that needs to be recharged.

In an energy pyramid, which level has the most energy?

The bottom level (Producers).

In an energy pyramid, which level has the smallest population size?

The top level (Tertiary Consumers/Apex Predators) because there is less energy available to support them.

What is the difference between Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

GPP is the TOTAL light energy captured by plants; NPP is what is left over for consumers after the plant uses some for itself.