Photosynthesis and Cellular Processes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, enzymes, pathways, pigments, and reactions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis Balanced Equation

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Biochemical Pathway (Photosynthesis)

A series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions where the products of the light reactions (ATP/NADPH) are used as inputs for the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.

Autotrophs

Organisms like plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that produce their own organic compounds.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming others.

Chloroplast

The organelle where photosynthesis takes place.

Chlorophyll

A pigment that absorbs blue/red light and reflects green light.

Carotenoids

Pigments that absorb blue-green light and reflect yellow/orange light.

Phycobilins

Pigments that absorb green/yellow light and reflect red/blue light.

Chlorophyll a

The primary pigment involved in photosynthesis.

Light Reactions

Light-dependent reactions located in the thylakoid membranes that capture light energy using photosystems to excite electrons.

Chemiosmosis

A process that uses a proton gradient to power ATP synthase, where protons originate from the splitting of water.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A pathway that transfers electrons to create a proton gradient; light starts the electron flow, and water splitting replaces lost electrons.

Calvin Cycle

Also known as the light-independent or C3 cycle; takes place in the stroma and uses atmospheric $CO_2$ along with ATP and NADPH from the light reactions to synthesize sugars.

G3P

The product of the Calvin cycle that is utilized to create glucose and other sugars.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that utilizes proton flow across a membrane to build ATP.

RuBisCO

An enzyme that attaches $CO_2$ to organic molecules during carbon fixation.

NADP+ Reductase

An enzyme that transfers electrons to NADP+ to form NADPH.

Stomata

Tiny leaf pores that open and close to regulate gas exchange ($CO_2$ in, $O_2$ out) and prevent water loss.

Rate Graphs (Photosynthesis)

Graphs that typically show light intensity or $CO_2$ concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis until reaching a saturation point.

Relationship of Photosynthesis to Respiration

Opposite biochemical processes: photosynthesis builds glucose using $CO_2$, while respiration breaks down glucose, releasing $CO_2$.