Concept 10.1: Photosynthesis feeds the biosphere

Flashcards from Concept 10.1 of Pearson's Campbell Biology, Twelfth Edition.

Photosynthesis

A process that uses light to change carbon dioxide and water into organic molecules and oxygen for cellular respiration

• Occurs within chloroplasts

• Nourishes the entire living world directly or indirectly

Chloroplasts

The organelles within cells where photosynthesis occurs

Autotrophs

Organisms that sustain themselves without eating anything derived from other organisms

• Producers of the biosphere that produce organic molecules from CO₂ and other inorganic molecules

• Includes most plants as well as some algae, protists, and prokaryotes

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain organic material from other organisms

• Consumers of the biosphere that eat other living things, dead organic material, or feces

• Almost all of these depend on photoautotrophs (directly or indirectly) for food and O₂

Decomposers

Subsection of heterotrophs that eat dead organic material or feces

Fossil fuels

Fuel stores under the earth formed from the remains of organisms that died hundreds of millions of years ago, representing ancient stores of the sun’s energy