Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy, Plants use the sun's energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars (glucose)

autotroph

An organism that makes its own food

pigment

light-absorbing molecule

chlorophyll

Green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis

chloroplasts

Capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce food for the cell, site of photosynthesis

stoma / stomata

the small openings on the undersides of most leaves through which oxygen and carbon dioxide can move

carbon dioxide

CO2, gas that is a reactant of photosynthesis and a waste product of cellular respiration

oxygen

product of photosynthesis, reactant in cellular respiration

glucose

A simple sugar that is an important source of energy, product of photosynthesis

photosynthesis equation

6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight ---> C6 H12 O6 + 6O2

cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

cellular respiration equation

C6H12O2 + 6O2 ------> 6CO2 + 6H20 + Energy (ATP)

ATP

(adenosine triphosphate) main energy source that cells use for most of their work

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production, where most of cellular respiration takes place

thylakoid membrane

membrane in a chloroplast where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur

Stroma

The fluid of the chloroplast surrounding the thylakoid membrane; where the dark reactions occur, production of glucose.

Heterotroph

An organism that cannot make its own food.

Cytoplasm/Cytosol

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended. Where chemical reactions occur.

Glycolysis

the breakdown of glucose by enzymes, releasing energy and pyruvic acid.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

second stage of cellular respiration, in which pyruvic acid is broken down into carbon dioxide in a series of energy-extracting reactions

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The third stage of cellular respiration, occurring within the inner membrane of the mitochondria, in which most of the ATP is formed.

alcoholic fermentation

the anaerobic process by which yeasts and other microorganisms break down sugars to form carbon dioxide and ethanol

lactic acid fermentation

Anaerobic series of reactions that convert glucose to lactic acid, in some bacteria and animal cells.

aerobic

requires oxygen

Anaerobic

without oxygen