Science (Biology) Reviewer: Photosynthesis, Respiratory & Circulatory Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from photosynthesis and the respiratory and circulatory systems, as described in the lecture notes.

Photosynthesis

Chemical process by which plants (and some autotrophs) convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates (glucose); an endothermic reaction linked to chlorophyll in leaves.

Chlorophyll

Green pigment in chloroplasts that captures light energy for photosynthesis; mainly absorbs red and blue light and reflects green.

Chloroplast

Organelle containing chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis; contains stroma, thylakoids, and granum.

Stroma

Fluid inside chloroplasts where enzymes reside and the Calvin Cycle occurs.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound compartments within chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions take place.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports sugars (food) from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Epidermis

Outer protective leaf layer; includes upper and lower epidermis.

Upper epidermis

Protects the leaf surface and helps reduce water loss.

Lower epidermis

Contains stomata and guard cells for gas exchange.

Palisade Mesophyll Cell

Tall, chloroplast-rich cells where most photosynthesis occurs.

Spongy Mesophyll Cell

Mesophyll layer with air spaces allowing gas exchange inside the leaf.

Stomata

Pores in the leaf epidermis for gas exchange; opened/closed by guard cells.

Vascular bundle

Leaf/plant tissue containing xylem and phloem for transport.

Light-dependent reaction

Photosynthesis stage in the thylakoid membranes converting light energy to ATP and NADPH with O2 produced.

Calvin Cycle (Dark Reaction)

Photosynthesis stage in the stroma that uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into sugar (glucose).

Respiratory System

System responsible for gas exchange: oxygen in, carbon dioxide out; includes four processes.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs; routes air through nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and to alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange with capillaries occurs.

Pulmonary Gas Exchange

Diffusion of oxygen from alveoli into blood and diffusion of CO2 from blood into alveoli.

Gas Transport

Circulation of oxygenated blood from lungs to body via the heart and vessels.

Peripheral Gas Exchange

O2 diffusion from blood in peripheral capillaries to body cells; CO2 diffusion in opposite direction.

Circulatory System (Cardiovascular System)

System that circulates blood, delivering oxygen/nutrients and removing wastes; includes heart, vessels, and blood.

Heart

Muscular organ with four chambers that pumps blood through the body.

Hypertension

High blood pressure; can cause headaches, nosebleeds, and other symptoms.

Anemia

Low hemoglobin or insufficient healthy red blood cells leading to fatigue and weakness.

Asthma

Chronic condition where airways narrow and swell, often with mucus and wheezing.

Emphysema

A COPD type with damaged alveoli, reducing gas exchange and causing shortness of breath.

Lung Cancer

Malignant tumor in the lungs; strongly linked to smoking; symptoms include coughing blood and chest pain.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Event where part of heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood, causing chest pain and other symptoms.