Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular respiration and photosynthesis, focusing on processes, products, and roles of various molecules in energy metabolism.

What is the main purpose of glycolysis?

To break down carbohydrates, specifically glucose, into pyruvate.

What occurs in the presence of abundant oxygen after glycolysis?

The process continues to make Acetyl CoA and then goes into the citric acid cycle.

Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?

In the cytosol.

What is the main role of the citric acid cycle?

To oxidize Acetyl CoA and harvest electrons in the form of NADH and FADH2.

What is the function of the electron transport chain?

To transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2, creating a proton gradient that leads to ATP synthesis.

What is the significance of the proton gradient produced in the electron transport chain?

It produces a proton motive force that drives ATP synthesis by ATP synthase.

How is ATP synthesized during cellular respiration?

By adding a phosphate group to ADP using the energy from the proton motive force.

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Autotrophs produce their own food (typically through photosynthesis), while heterotrophs consume organic material from other organisms.

What is the process of photosynthesis primarily composed of?

Light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

What takes place during the light reactions of photosynthesis?

Water is split to release oxygen, and ATP and NADPH are produced.

What does the Calvin cycle do?

It uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into sugar.

What is the role of chlorophyll in plants?

To absorb light energy for photosynthesis, making plants green.

What happens to carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?

It is reduced to form organic compounds like sugar.

What is the originating energy source for the process of photosynthesis?

Light energy from the sun.

How does the structure of chloroplasts facilitate photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts contain thylakoids where light reactions occur and stroma where the Calvin cycle takes place.

What is meant by oxidation in the context of photosynthesis?

Oxidation refers to losing electrons; for plants, it involves splitting water to release oxygen.

What is the significance of NADP+ in photosynthesis?

It acts as an electron carrier, being reduced to NADPH during the light reactions.

How does the concentration gradient of protons lead to ATP synthesis?

The flow of protons down their concentration gradient through ATP synthase provides the energy to add a phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP.

What analogy is used to describe how the proton gradient powers ATP production?

The "running water and using a dam" analogy, where the pressure from backed-up water (protons) is released to generate energy.

What are uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation?

Substances that disrupt the electron flow in the electron transport chain, affecting the proton gradient and leading to heat production instead of ATP synthesis.

What is a consequence of disrupting the proton gradient in oxidative phosphorylation?

It prevents efficient ATP synthesis and can lead to the energy being released as heat.

What is the critical role of oxygen in aerobic cellular respiration?

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain; without it, Acetyl CoA cannot proceed through the electron transport chain, thus halting ATP production via this pathway.

What makes plants self-sustaining (autotrophic)?

Their unique ability to convert inorganic carbon dioxide (CO_2) into organic sugars through photosynthesis.

How do plants and animals contribute to the ecosystem's energy and carbon cycles?

Plants utilize sunlight and water to produce organic materials (sugars) and oxygen, which animals consume for energy, exhaling carbon dioxide (CO_2) as a byproduct for plants to reuse.

What is a symbiotic relationship in an ecosystem?

It is a close and long-term interaction between two different biological organisms.

How does light behave in the context of energy usage in photosynthesis?

Light behaves as both waves and particles (photons), with photons playing a key role in transferring energy.

What is 'wavelength' in relation to electromagnetic radiation?

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave.

What are the types of electromagnetic radiation that comprise the electromagnetic spectrum?

Gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves.

How do photons influence energy usage in photosynthesis?

Photons carry specific amounts of energy that can be absorbed by photosynthetic pigments (like chlorophyll) to initiate the light reactions.