Photosynthesis and Respiration in Plants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to photosynthesis and respiration in plants, aiding in understanding processes, definitions, and relationships critical to the subject.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

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 takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast, where ATP and NADPH are used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce complex organic molecules from simple inorganic molecules, typically through photosynthesis.

NADPH

An electron carrier that stores energy for the Calvin cycle by transferring electrons during photosynthesis.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that regulate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide in and oxygen out.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily in blue and red wavelengths.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of light radiation, which includes visible light used in photosynthesis.

Starch

A storage form of energy in plants, produced from glucose and stored for later use.

RuBP (Ribulose bisphosphate)

A five-carbon sugar that is the starting substrate in the Calvin cycle.

Rubisco

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

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that produces ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate during the light reactions.

Carotenoids

Accessory pigments in plants that capture light energy not efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Oxidation

A chemical process in which a substance loses electrons, often associated with the release of energy.

Reduction

A chemical process in which a substance gains electrons, often associated with the storage of energy.

Aerobic Respiration

The process of producing cellular energy involving oxygen; it uses glucose and produces ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a product of photosynthesis.

Water-Splitting Complex

A part of photosystem II in the thylakoid membranes where water molecules are split to release oxygen during the light reactions.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes in thylakoid membranes that transfer electrons during the light reactions, leading to ATP and NADPH synthesis.