Chapter 7 PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Calvin cycle

the reactions of photosynthesis that use the energy stored by the light-dependent reactions to form glucose and other carbohydrate molecules

carbon fixation

the process of converting inorganic CO2 gas into organic compounds

chemiosmosis

the flow of hydrogen ions through ATP synthase to generate ATP

chlorophyll

the green pigment that captures the light energy that drives the reactions of photosynthesis

chloroplast

the organelle where photosynthesis takes place

granum

a stack of thylakoids located inside a chloroplast

light-dependent reactions

the first stage of photosynthesis where visible light is absorbed to form two energy-carrying molecules (ATP and NADPH)

mesophyll

the middle layer of cells in a leaf

photon

a distinct quantity or “packet” of light energy

photosystem

a group of proteins, chlorophyll, and other pigments that are used in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis to absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy

pigment

a molecule that is capable of absorbing light energy

stroma

the fluid-filled space surrounding the grana inside a chloroplast where the Calvin cycle reactions of photosynthesis take place

stomata

openings that regulate gas exchange and water regulation between leaves and the environment; singular: stoma

thylakoid

a disc-shaped membranous structure inside a chloroplast where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place using chlorophyll embedded in the membranes

wavelength

a photon of light traveling with a defined amount of energy