Photosynthesis

A set of flashcards covering the key concepts of photosynthesis, including definitions of important terms and processes involved in photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of food.

Autotrophs

Organisms that sustain themselves without eating anything derived from other living things, producing organic molecules from CO2 and inorganic raw materials.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain organic food molecules by consuming other organisms or substances derived from them.

Chloroplast

The site of photosynthesis in plants, mainly found in the mesophyll tissue of leaves.

Stomata

Microscopic pores in leaves that allow CO2 to enter and O2 to exit.

Thylakoid

Membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where the light reactions of photosynthesis take place.

Photosystem

A complex of proteins and pigments in the thylakoid membrane that plays a crucial role in the light reactions.

Light Reactions

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

Calvin Cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into sugars.

Chemiosmosis

The process in which the movement of protons across a membrane drives the synthesis of ATP.