Photosynthesis and Chloroplast Structure Flashcards

Vocabulary terms based on lecture notes covering the mechanics of photosynthesis, energy molecules, and plant cell structures.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoid membranes

Stroma

Fluid filled space between the Grana in the chloroplast. Location of the light independent reaction (Calvin cycle)

Light Dependent Reaction

1st step in photosynthesis. Requires solar energy and takes place in the thylakoid membrane

Light Independent Reaction

2nd step in phtosynthesis (AKA Calvin Cycle). Reduces carbon dioxide into glucose.

Photosystem II

Where solar energy first excites electrons into an electron transport chain during the light dependent reaction (reactants: light energy, water; products: ATP, Oxygen)

Photosystem I

Electrons travel here after going through electron transport chain and are re-energized by the sun.

NADPH

An electron carrier produced when $NADP^+$ is reduced

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate; Molecule of energy.

NADP+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)

carrier molecule that transfers high-energy electrons from chlorophyll to other molecules

Water

Splits and gives off oxygen as the waste of photosynthesis.

Glucose

6-carbon carbohydrate produced through photosynthesis

Oxygen

Gas released as waste of photosynthesis

Chloroplast

Double-membrane bound organelle found in eukaryotic plant cells that is the location of photosynthesis.

Stomata

Small holes (pores) in leaves that allow gasses in and out

Thylakoid

discs inside chloroplast, location of the light dependent reaction

Chlorophyll

Pigment in chloroplast that absorbs solar energy and makes plants appear green.

Photosynthesis

The process by which carbohydrate is produced from solar energy. Water and Carbon Dioxide are also required. Oxygen is released as waste.

Producers (autotrophs)

Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis.

Consumers (heterotrophs)

Organisms that eat other organisms for food.

Carbon Dioxide

carbon molecule needed to make glucose in photosynthesis

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radiant energy organized by wavelength

Visible Light

Middle part of the electromagnetic spectrum; observable by human eyes (ROYGBIV)

Wavelength

Horizontal distance between the crests or between the troughs of two adjacent waves

Oxidation

A reaction in which an atom or molecule loses electrons.

Reduction

A reaction which an atom or molecule gains electrons.