Unit 3: Energy Carriers, Photosynthesis, and Cellular Respiration Exam Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to energy carriers, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration, essential for understanding the Unit 3 exam.

Photosynthesis

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

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Chlorophyll

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

Thylakoid

Membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Granum

A stack of thylakoids within a chloroplast.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space in chloroplasts surrounding the thylakoids, where the light-independent reactions occur.

Light-dependent reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)

The second stage of photosynthesis where ATP and NADPH are used to fix carbon dioxide into glucose.

Photolysis

The process of splitting water molecules during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, releasing oxygen.

Carbon fixation

The process of converting carbon dioxide into organic materials like glucose during the Calvin Cycle.

RuBisCO

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out) during photosynthesis.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP) and waste products (CO₂ and H₂O).

Aerobic respiration

A type of cellular respiration that requires oxygen to generate ATP.

Anaerobic respiration

A type of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, resulting in less ATP production.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria, producing ATP, NADH, and FADH₂ from pyruvate.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A sequence of proteins located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that generates ATP through chemiosmosis.

Chemiosmosis

A process in cellular respiration where ATP is generated from the flow of hydrogen ions across a membrane.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows for the production of energy without oxygen, resulting in products like lactic acid or ethanol.

NADH and FADH₂

Molecules that serve as energy carriers, transporting electrons to the ETC during cellular respiration.