Chapter 5: Energy Flow and Photosynthesis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy flow and photosynthesis, specifically terms and definitions that are essential for understanding how organisms capture and utilize energy.

Photosynthetic organisms

Organisms such as plants and algae that capture sunlight to convert it into energy-rich organic molecules.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can produce their own food using sunlight or chemical energy, primarily through photosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Energy transformation

The process of changing energy from one form to another, such as potential energy being converted into kinetic energy.

Conservation of energy

A principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Carbon fixation

The process of converting inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds, such as sugars.

Chemical energy

Potential energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like those found in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Kinetic energy

The energy of motion; energy resulting from the movement of objects.

Biofuels

Renewable fuels made from living organisms, often from agricultural or algal sources.

Thermodynamics

Branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.

Algal biofuels

Biofuels derived from algae, characterized by their potential for low environmental impact.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants and algae that absorbs light for photosynthesis.