Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Review

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food, serving as primary producers in ecosystems.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

The main energy currency of the cell.

ADP (adenosine diphosphate)

Formed when ATP releases energy by losing a phosphate group; ADP can be converted back to ATP.

NADPH

A reducing agent used in photosynthesis to carry high-energy electrons.

NADP+

The oxidized form of NADPH.

Overall Goal of Photosynthesis

To convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Color Perception

The wavelength of light that is reflected by an object.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Chlorophyll

The pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, water is split, and ATP and NADPH are produced.

Carbon Fixation

CO2 is incorporated into organic molecules.

Calvin Cycle

ATP and NADPH are used to convert CO2 into glucose.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

NADH and FADH2

Electron carriers in cellular respiration

NAD+ and FAD

Oxidized forms of electron carriers in cellular respiration

Glycolysis

Glucose is broken down into pyruvate.

Krebs (Citric Acid) Cycle

Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle, producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Electron Transport Chain

NADH and FADH2 donate electrons, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Point of Fermentation

To regenerate NAD+ so glycolysis can continue in the absence of oxygen.

Anaerobic

Occurs without oxygen.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

Pyruvate is converted into lactic acid.

Alcoholic Fermentation

Pyruvate is converted into ethanol and CO2.