Photosynthesis and Chloroplast Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to photosynthesis, chloroplast structure, and the processes involved in converting solar energy into chemical energy.

Chloroplasts

Organelles where photosynthesis takes place in plants.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions occur.

Stroma

The fluid-filled interior of chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) occurs.

Guard cells

Cells that surround stomata and regulate the opening and closing of these pores.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from water to NADP+ during the light-dependent reactions.

Light Dependent Reactions (LDR)

The part of photosynthesis that converts solar energy into ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membranes.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules, taking place in the stroma.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)

The range of light wavelengths (400 to 700 nm) that plants use for photosynthesis.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, such as in the photosynthesis process where water is oxidized and carbon dioxide is reduced.

Photolysis

The process of splitting water molecules using light energy during photosynthesis.

Absorption Spectrum

A graph showing how different pigments absorb light at various wavelengths.

Action Spectrum

A graph that shows the effectiveness of different wavelengths of light in driving photosynthesis.

Carotenoids

Accessory pigments that absorb light and protect chlorophyll from damage.