Untitled Flashcard Set

Photosynthesis

The biological process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into chemical energy in the form of sugars (glucose).

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate, the main energy source of cells that stores chemical energy.

ADP

Adenosine Diphosphate, the lower-energy form that can become ATP when a phosphate group is added.

Light-Dependent Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis occurring in the thylakoid membranes, where light, water, ADP, and NADP+ are used to produce oxygen, ATP, and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that occur in the stroma, using CO₂, ATP, and NADPH to produce glucose.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in plants that absorbs mostly red and violet light, reflecting green light.

Stomata

Tiny openings on leaves that allow for gas exchange; CO₂ enters and O₂ exits.

NADP+

Oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, an empty battery with low energy.

NADPH

Reduced form of NADP+, a charged battery that carries electrons and hydrogen with high energy.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose splits into two pyruvate molecules.

Krebs Cycle

The second stage of cellular respiration occurring in the mitochondrial matrix that breaks down pyruvate and produces CO₂, NADH, FADH₂, and a small amount of ATP.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The third stage of cellular respiration occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane where electrons move through proteins to produce ATP.

Fermentation

A type of anaerobic respiration that occurs when oxygen is not available, such as lactic acid fermentation in muscles and alcoholic fermentation in yeast.

Law of Conservation of Matter

States that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form.

Carbon Fixation

The process during the Calvin Cycle where CO₂ is converted into glucose.

Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis

Conditions like light intensity, temperature, CO₂ concentration, and O₂ concentration that can slow down the rate of photosynthesis.