Science Science

What is the primary source of energy for almost all living organisms?

Energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun.

What process converts light energy into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis.

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that use energy from sunlight or inorganic substances to make organic compounds.

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that must obtain energy by consuming other plants or animals.

What is cellular respiration?

The process by which living things break down food (glucose) for energy.

What is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

What happens to energy when ATP bonds break?

Energy is released when ATP bonds break.

What are the two stages of photosynthesis?

Light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

What do light-dependent reactions produce?

ATP, NADPH, and oxygen gas as a waste product.

Where do light-dependent reactions occur?

In the thylakoid of the chloroplasts.

What is produced as a waste during the light reactions?

Oxygen.

How is ATP produced in the thylakoid?

H+ diffuses back out of the thylakoid, creating ADP into ATP.

What is the most common method for carbon fixation in plants?

The Calvin cycle.

In which part of the chloroplast does the Calvin cycle occur?

In the stroma.

What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Light, concentration of CO2, and temperature.