Photosynthesis Overview

The flashcards cover key concepts related to photosynthesis, including its processes, locations, equations, and components involved.

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process of taking light energy, CO2, and water to produce glucose and O2.

What is the general chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Light + CO2 + H2O -> Glucose + O2 + H2O.

How does the photosynthesis equation compare to that of cellular respiration?

The photosynthesis equation is reversed compared to the cellular respiration equation.

Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.

What differentiates photoautotrophs from other autotrophs?

Photoautotrophs must use light for energy.

What are the phases of photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis has two phases: Light reactions and Dark reactions (Calvin cycle).

Where does the majority of photosynthesis occur?

The majority of photosynthesis occurs in the mesophyll cells of leaves.

What are thylakoids?

Thylakoids are disk-shaped structures within chloroplasts.

What is a granum?

A granum is a stack of thylakoids.

What is the fluid within the chloroplast called?

The fluid within the chloroplast is called the stroma.

What form of electromagnetic radiation is involved in photosynthesis?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation involved in photosynthesis.

What particle of light excites electrons during photosynthesis?

Photons are the particles of light that excite electrons.

What happens when an electron is hit by a photon?

The electron becomes photoexcited and jumps to a higher orbital.

What are the three main photosynthetic pigments?

The three main photosynthetic pigments are Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B, and Beta carotene.

Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis occur?

The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane.

What are the starting materials for the light reactions?

The light reactions start with light, H2O, NADP+, and ADP.

What is produced in Photosystem II during the light reactions?

O2, as H2O is oxidized and electrons are replaced.

What drives ATP production in the light reactions?

The H+ gradient in the thylakoid lumen drives ATP production.

What are the three products of the light reactions?

The products of the light reactions are O2, NADPH, and ATP.

What does cyclic electron flow refer to?

Cyclic electron flow is an alternative pathway where ferredoxin sends electrons from P700 back to earlier steps to maintain ATP production.

Where does the Calvin cycle take place?

The Calvin cycle takes place in the stroma.

What is the main purpose of the Calvin cycle?

The main purpose of the Calvin cycle is to produce glucose.

What enzyme is responsible for binding RuBP to CO2 in the Calvin cycle?

Rubisco is the enzyme that binds RuBP to CO2.

What is regenerated in the Calvin cycle to continue the process?

RuBP is regenerated during the Calvin cycle.

What is the total cost of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin cycle per glucose produced?

The total cost is 18 ATP and 12 NADPH.