Electrons and Proton Transport in Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

Flashcards covering key concepts about electron transport and ATP synthesis in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and pump protons to generate ATP through chemiosmosis.

Chemiosmosis

The process of ATP synthesis driven by the movement of protons across a membrane.

Proton Pumping

The process of protons being moved from a low concentration to a high concentration against their gradient during electron transport.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, typically producing glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

NADPH

An electron carrier that is produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, used in the Calvin cycle.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that use ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Thylakoid Membrane

The membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy carrier in living organisms, produced during both cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants and algae that is crucial for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis.

Light-Dependent Reactions

The reactions in photosynthesis that require light to produce ATP and NADPH.

Photosystem I (PS I)

A protein complex involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis that absorbs light and converts it into chemical energy.

Photosystem II (PS II)

A protein complex that uses light energy to split water and generate high-energy electrons for the electron transport chain.

Cyclic Electron Transport

A process in photosynthesis that produces ATP only without the production of NADPH.

Autotroph

Organisms, like plants and algae, that can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Heterotroph

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume other living things for energy.