Photosynthesis Overview

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to the process of photosynthesis, covering key concepts and terms.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, using energy from proton gradients.

Thylakoid

Membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts, involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane; fundamental in ATP production.

Photosystem II (P680)

The first photosystem in the light reactions that absorbs light at 680 nm and begins the electron transport chain.

Photosystem I (P700)

The second photosystem in the light reactions that absorbs light at 700 nm and is involved in the reduction of NADP+.

Cyclic Flow

An electron flow process that produces ATP but not NADPH, using only Photosystem I.

Linear Electron Flow

A pathway that uses both Photosystems to produce ATP and NADPH.

Chemiosmosis

The movement of protons across a membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

Rubisco

The enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle, fixing carbon dioxide into ribulose bisphosphate.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)

A three-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin cycle; can be used for energy or to synthesize other organic compounds.

Calvin Cycle

The set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

NADP+

A coenzyme that accepts electrons during the light reactions and is reduced to NADPH.

Proton Gradient

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane that drives ATP synthesis during chemiosmosis.

Photophosphorylation

The process of generating ATP from ADP using the energy of light during photosynthesis.

Carbon Fixation

The process of incorporating carbon dioxide into organic molecules during the Calvin cycle.

Three-Phase Calvin Cycle

The cycle of carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration that produces G3P and ultimately glucose.