Photosynthesis and Plant Nutrition

The flashcards cover key terms and concepts in photosynthesis and plant nutrition, providing definitions and explanations for important processes and components involved in plant energy conversion and growth.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and other autotrophs use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into energy.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion; involves rapidly moving particles, including the movement of the body, heat, and light energy.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that results from an object’s location, position, or composition, e.g., water stored behind a dam.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A molecule that temporarily stores energy in all living cells; energy is stored in the bonds of the three phosphate groups.

Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)

A molecule formed when ATP loses one phosphate group; represents the uncharged state of energy storage.

Calvin Cycle

A series of reactions in the stroma of the chloroplast where carbon dioxide and the energy from ATP and NADPH are used to synthesize sugars.

Chlorophyll

A plant pigment that reflects green light, causing the green color of leaves.

Stomata

Small openings in leaves through which carbon dioxide enters and water evaporates.

C4 Photosynthesis

A modified form of photosynthesis where plants partially close their stomata to reduce evaporation, adapted for drier environments.

CAM Photosynthesis

A modified form of photosynthesis where stomata open at night to reduce water loss, adapted for very dry environments.

Photons

Energy packets that make up light waves, with varying wavelengths affecting energy levels.

NADPH

A high-energy electron carrier produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the thylakoid membrane that use high-energy electrons to pump protons, creating a concentration gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Thylakoid

Membranous structures within chloroplasts where light energy is captured and converted to chemical energy.

Stroma

The fluid inside the chloroplast where the 'synthesis' reactions of the Calvin Cycle occur.