Chapter 1–4: Photosynthesis and Respiration—Comprehensive Study Notes

Flashcards covering the key concepts from the video notes on the photosynthesis-respiration cycle, energy flow, and the role of enzymes.

What process converts sunlight energy into chemical energy stored as glucose using chloroplasts?

Photosynthesis.

What energy source drives photosynthesis (the energy that is converted into chemical energy in plants)?

Sunlight (radiant energy).

What is ATP and why is it important in cellular energy?

Adenosine triphosphate; the energy currency produced during respiration and used to power cellular reactions.

What is the role of respiration in cellular metabolism?

To break down glucose to release energy as ATP, using oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and water.

How are photosynthesis and respiration connected in a cycle?

They form a cycle where the products of respiration are the reactants of photosynthesis and the products of photosynthesis are the reactants of respiration.

Which products of respiration serve as reactants for photosynthesis?

CO2 and H2O (carbon dioxide and water).

Which products of photosynthesis serve as reactants for respiration?

Glucose and O2 (oxygen).

Why are enzymes essential in photosynthesis and respiration?

Enzymes catalyze each tiny step, speeding up reactions and enabling life-sustaining energy flow.

What happens if you stop breathing, in terms of the photosynthesis-respiration cascade?

You stop taking in O2 and stop releasing CO2, halting the cascade and stopping energy production.

What does a negative delta G indicate in metabolism?

The free energy change is negative, meaning energy is released as usable ATP.