Chapter 7: Photosynthesis and Light Reactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering Chapter 7 notes on photosynthesis, adaptations in C4 and CAM plants, Calvin cycle energy carriers, and the mechanisms of the light reactions.

C4 Plants

Plants that shuffle $CO_2$ to prevent photorespiration by separating carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle in different cells: $CO_2$ starts in mesophyll cells and is then transported into bundle-sheath cells where the Calvin cycle takes place.

CAM Plants

Plants that prevent photorespiration by separating carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle temporally.

ATP (in the Calvin Cycle)

The molecule that provides the chemical energy required to drive the reactions of the Calvin cycle.

NADPH (in the Calvin Cycle)

A molecule that acts as an electron carrier, supplying high-energy electrons ($e^-$) and hydrogen ions to the Calvin cycle.

Excitation of Electrons in Chlorophyll

The process occurring in the light reactions where light excites electrons in chlorophyll, boosting them to a higher energy state before they are transported across an electron transport chain.

Photolysis (Role of Water)

The splitting of water ($H_2O$) molecules during the light reactions to provide electrons to replace excited ones, supply $H^+$ ions to create a proton gradient that produces ATP, and release $O_2$ as a byproduct.