Carbon Cycle, Photosynthesis, and Cellular Respiration

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about the carbon cycle, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Decomposition

The breakdown of dead organic matter by bacteria and fungi.

Respiration

The process by which organisms convert sugars into energy, releasing carbon dioxide.

Producers

Organisms that produce their own food, such as plants.

Diffusion

The movement of carbon from one reservoir to another.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic matter.

Fossil fuels

Fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms, such as oil, coal, and natural gas.

Extraction/Oil Drilling

The process of extracting fossil fuels from the earth.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from accumulated sediments.

Sedimentation

The process of sediment accumulation.

Greenhouse Gas

A gas in the atmosphere that traps heat and warms the earth.

Weather

The current atmospheric condition, sun, rain, etc.

Climate

The average weather conditions in an area over a long period.

Climate Change Effects

Consequences of rising global temperatures, such as extreme weather and sea level rise.

Carbon Reservoir

A place where carbon is stored.

Carbon Sink

A reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases.

Carbon Source

A reservoir that releases more carbon than it stores.

Photosynthesis Reactants

Carbon dioxide and water

Photosynthesis Products

Sugar and oxygen

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight.

Light-Dependent Reactions

The reactions in photosynthesis that require sunlight.

Light-Independent Reactions

The reactions in photosynthesis that use energy to make sugar; also known as the Calvin Cycle.

Photosynthesis role in carbon cycle

The stage in the carbon cycle where carbon dioxide is moved from the air into plants

Cellular Respiration Reactants

The reactants are C6H12O6 and Oxygen_602

Cellular Respiration Products

The products are Water and Carbon Dioxide

ATP

The main energy source for cells.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration, breaking glucose in half.

Krebs Cycle

A cycle that further breaks down glucose in cellular respiration.

Electron Transport Chain

The final stage of cellular respiration that produces a lot of energy and requires oxygen.