Matter and Energy in Living Systems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the concepts of matter and energy in living systems, focusing on photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and cellular structures.

Photosynthesis

The process by which solar energy is converted into chemical bond energy within carbohydrates.

Cellular Respiration

The process of converting carbohydrates into ATP, which is essential for chemical reactions in cells.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plants that contains chlorophyll and is responsible for photosynthesis.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that provides energy for chemical reactions, active transport, and muscle contractions in cells.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

A spectrum that includes visible light wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm, crucial for photosynthesis.

Photosynthetic Pigments

Compounds that trap light energy; examples include chlorophyll and carotenoids.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment in plants that absorbs violet, blue, and red light for photosynthesis.

Thylakoid

Disc-shaped structures inside chloroplasts where photosynthesis occurs; they contain photosynthetic pigments.

Granum (Grana)

Stack of thylakoid disks found in chloroplasts, involved in the photosynthetic process.

Metabolic Pathways

A series of step-by-step chemical reactions that include catabolism and anabolism.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction where a compound loses electrons.

Reduction

A chemical reaction where a compound gains electrons.

Mitochondria

Organelles with inner and outer membranes that contain the matrix, where cellular respiration occurs.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules to obtain energy.

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that build molecules from smaller units and require energy.

Cristae

Infoldings of the inner membrane of mitochondria that increase surface area for cellular respiration.