Photosynthesis

These vocabulary flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the process of photosynthesis, including its mechanisms, structures involved, and factors affecting its rate.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protistans use sunlight to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in photosynthetic organisms that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange, facilitating the entry of carbon dioxide and the exit of oxygen.

Xylem

Specialized plant cells that transport water from the roots to the leaves.

Thylakoid

The structural unit of photosynthesis in chloroplasts, consisting of flattened sacs that contain photosynthetic chemicals.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of chemical reactions in photosynthesis that transfers electrons and drives the synthesis of ATP.

Photoionisation

The process by which chlorophyll absorbs light energy, resulting in the ionization of chlorophyll and release of electrons.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions that convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, using energy from ATP and NADPH.

Photophosphorylation

The process of making ATP from ADP using energy absorbed from light during photosynthesis.

Limiting Factors

Environmental factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature that affect the rate of photosynthesis.

chlorophyll

A green pigment essential for photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs light energy used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.