Midterm 3 Study Guide: Photosynthesis and Genetics

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts from photosynthesis, DNA technology, cell division, cancer, and genetics, essential for understanding the topics for the upcoming midterm exam.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in eukaryotic cells where photosynthesis takes place, characterized by three membranes that define distinct spaces.

Thylakoid Membrane

The membrane system within chloroplasts that contains the photosynthetic pigments and is the site of the light-capturing reactions.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle takes place.

Chlorophylls

A class of photosynthetic pigments that absorb purple/blue and red light, appearing green as a result.

Carotenoids

Another class of photosynthetic pigments that absorb blue/green light and appear yellow, orange, or red.

Light-Capturing Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide and produce carbohydrates.

Rubisco

An enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of carbon dioxide in the first step of the Calvin cycle.

Photorespiration

An inefficient process where Rubisco fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to energy loss and release of carbon dioxide.

C4 Plants

Plants that initially fix carbon dioxide into a 4-carbon compound, allowing them to separate carbon fixation from the Calvin cycle.

CAM Plants

Plants that fix carbon dioxide at night to reduce water loss, performing the Calvin cycle during the day.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism, consisting of all its chromosomes.

DNA Technology

Techniques used to analyze or modify DNA, including tools like restriction enzymes and PCR.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method to amplify specific DNA sequences, creating millions of copies in a short time.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that contain recombinant DNA, used for applications like increased crop yields and production of proteins.

CRISPR/Cas9

A modern gene-editing technology allowing precise modifications of DNA sequences based on a bacterial defense mechanism.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes for sexual reproduction.

Diploid

Cells containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

Cells containing one complete set of chromosomes (n), such as sperm and egg cells.

Cyclins and Kinases

Proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle, stimulating progression through key checkpoints.

Proto-Oncogenes

Normal genes that promote cell division; when mutated, they can become oncogenes and contribute to cancer development.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell growth and division; mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Aneuploidy

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, leading to conditions such as trisomy or monosomy.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from parental genotypes.

Testcross

A breeding experiment used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.