Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to photosynthesis and cellular respiration, highlighting definitions, equations, processes, and experimental evidence.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy (glucose) using CO2 and H2O.

Photosynthesis Equation

6CO2 + 6H2O + light → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Chloroplasts

The site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions take place.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding thylakoids in chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle occurs.

Chlorophyll a

A pigment that absorbs blue-violet and red light.

Chlorophyll b

A pigment that absorbs blue and red-orange light.

Carotenoids

Pigments that absorb blue-green light and reflect yellow/orange.

Light-Dependent Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis occurring in thylakoids that produces ATP, NADPH, and O2 using light and H2O.

Calvin Cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis occurring in the stroma that produces glucose using CO2, ATP, and NADPH.

Cellular Respiration

The process of converting glucose and O2 into ATP, CO2, and H2O.

Cellular Respiration Equation

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

Aerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that requires O2 and produces approximately 32 ATP per glucose.

Anaerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that occurs without O2, producing only 2 ATP and by-products like ethanol or lactic acid.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that regenerates NAD+ for glycolysis in the absence of O2.

Chromatography of Pigments

An experiment that separates chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids based on solubility.

Absorption Spectrum

A method that shows which wavelengths of light chlorophyll absorbs, particularly blue/red light.

Yeast Fermentation

An experiment that monitors CO2 production as an indication of anaerobic activity in yeast.

Algae Beads Experiment

An experiment demonstrating how light increases pH (indicating photosynthesis) while darkness decreases pH (indicating respiration).

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

The movement of energy through light, chemical storage, and usable ATP by living organisms.

Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis creates glucose and O2 using CO2, H2O, and light, while respiration converts glucose and O2 into CO2, H2O, and ATP.

pH Changes Indicator

Changes in pH that reveal CO2 balance between photosynthesis and respiration.

Earth's Energy and Carbon Cycles

Both processes sustain Earth's energy and carbon cycles, highlighting their interdependence.