Photosynthesis and Calvin Cycle Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to photosynthesis and the Calvin Cycle.

Photosystem II

Part of the light reactions where light energy excites P680.

P680

A pigment that loses an electron when excited by light in Photosystem II.

Primary Electron Acceptor

Pheophytin, receives an electron from P680.

Water Splitting Reaction

H2O is split to replace the electron lost by P680, producing O2 as a by-product.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of proteins that transfer electrons, creating a proton gradient.

Proton Gradient

Created across the thylakoid membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that produces ATP using the energy from the proton gradient.

Photosystem I

Part of the light reactions where light energy excites P700.

NADP+ Reductase

An enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

A stage in photosynthesis where CO2 is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

RuBP

Ribulose biphosphate, the CO2 acceptor in the Calvin Cycle.

Rubisco

The enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of CO2 to RuBP.

Photorespiration

A process where Rubisco incorporates O2 instead of CO2, reducing efficiency.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a product of the Calvin Cycle used to form glucose.

C4 Plants

Plants that efficiently fix CO2 while minimizing O2 interference.

CAM Plants

Plants that open stomata at night to minimize water loss.

Light Reactions

The phase of photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy.

NADPH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, carrying electrons for the Calvin Cycle.

Thylakoid

Membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts involved in ATP production.

Chemiosmosis

The movement of ions across a semipermeable membrane, generating ATP.

Calvin Cycle Phases

Includes carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration.

Carboxylation

The process of adding CO2 to an organic molecule.

Decarboxylation

The removal of a carboxyl group, releasing CO2.

Glucose Synthesis

The process of converting G3P into glucose.

Thylakoid Membrane

Site of the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.

ATP Production

Generated in the stroma from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Photosynthesis at Night

Photosynthesis stops, but cellular respiration continues.

Deciduous Trees' Winter Adaptation

Trees lose leaves and produce proteins to prevent water damage.

Maple Syrup Production

Sugar maples produce sap, which can be harvested for syrup.