Photosynthesis Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Light Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis, occurring in the thylakoid membranes, where light energy is converted into ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis that occurs in the stroma, using ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Thylakoid Membrane

The membrane-bound structures in chloroplasts where the light reactions of photosynthesis take place.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis, containing thylakoids and stroma.

Photosystems

Complexes of proteins and pigments in the thylakoid membrane involved in the capture of light energy.

NADPH

A molecule that carries electrons and hydrogen ions and is produced during the light reactions, used in the Calvin cycle.

Rubisco

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle, fixing carbon dioxide to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).

Chemiosmosis

The movement of protons across a membrane, generating ATP through ATP synthase during the light reactions.

Accessory Pigments

Pigments other than chlorophyll that assist in photosynthesis by absorbing additional light wavelengths.