Biology Unit 8

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

ADP

Adenosine diphosphate, a lower-energy molecule that can be converted to ATP.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Photosynthesis

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

Pigment

A substance that absorbs light and gives color to plants, such as chlorophyll.

Thylakoid

Membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts, where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts, where the light-independent reactions occur.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in chloroplasts that is vital for photosynthesis.

NADP+/NADPH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, acting as an electron carrier.

Light dependent reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis that convert light energy into chemical energy, producing ATP and NADPH.

Light independent reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis, also known as the Calvin cycle, that do not require light to occur.

Electron transport chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a proton gradient for ATP production.

Calvin cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose into ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water.

Aerobic

Processes that require oxygen to occur.

Anaerobic

Processes that do not require oxygen.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP.

NAD+/NADH

A coenzyme that plays a crucial role in metabolic reactions, serving as an electron carrier during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Krebs cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates.

Matrix

The innermost compartment of the mitochondrion, where the Krebs cycle takes place.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that converts sugars into energy, producing alcohol or lactic acid.