Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to photosynthesis and respiration processes in plants.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Respiration

A chemical process where cells convert organic molecules into energy, primarily occurring in the mitochondria.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants that is essential for photosynthesis as it absorbs light energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms, providing energy for cellular processes.

NADPH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate)

A high-energy electron carrier formed during photosynthesis used in the Calvin cycle.

RuBisCO

The enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle, fixing carbon dioxide into a 3-carbon molecule.

Calvin Cycle

A series of biochemical reactions in photosynthesis in which carbon dioxide is converted into glucose.

Photosystem II

The first protein complex in photosynthesis that absorbs light energy and initiates the process of electron transport.

Photosystem I

The second protein complex in photosynthesis that receives electrons and ultimately aids in forming NADPH.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria or chloroplasts to create a proton gradient.

C3 Plants

Plants that fix carbon dioxide into a three-carbon molecule during the Calvin cycle.

C4 Plants

Plants that fix CO2 into a four-carbon molecule as an adaptation to minimize water loss.

CAM Plants

Plants that open their stomata at night to capture CO2, thus minimizing water loss during hot days.

Stomata

Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out) and are crucial for photosynthesis and respiration.

Photosynthetic Efficiency

A measure of how effectively plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Light Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis where solar energy is captured and converted into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).