Bio 10: Exam #2 Terms

ATP Synthase

membrane-bound enzyme that synthesizes ATP

Autotrophic

organism that can create its own food

Chemiosmosis

the movement of ions (specifically protons, H⁺) across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient.

Electron transport system

the final stage of cellular respiration

G3P

a 3-carbon sugar phosphate

a key intermediate in cellular metabolism

H+ Gradient

an unequal distribution of H⁺ ions across a biological membrane

Light Dependent Reactions

use light and water to generate ATP and NADPH, releasing oxygen

Light Independent Reactions

second stage of photosynthesis

Calvin Cycle

takes place in stroma of chloroplast

use ATP & NADPH to convert CO2 to sugar

NADPH

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate

primary electron carrier & reducing agent

Photon

a distinct quantity or “packet” of light energy

Pigment

a molecule that is capable of absorbing light energy

Proton Pumps

a protein found in cell membranes that pushes H+ from low concentration to high concentration

Reaction Center

a protein & pigment complex

in chloroplasts & cell membranes

drives the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis

Stroma

fluid-filled space surrounding the grana in a chloroplast

where Calvin cycle reactions of photosynthesis take place

Thylakoid Membranes

in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria that host the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis

contain photosynthetic pigments and protein complexes

absorb sunlight, split water molecules, and synthesize ATP and NADPH

Visible light spectrum

400-700 nanometers in wavelength