Biology Notes: Photosynthesis and Energy in Biology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to photosynthesis and energy in biology, helping students prepare for their exam.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances; examples include plants and some microorganisms.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain organic molecules and energy by consuming other organisms.

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with heat and other forms of energy; it states that energy and matter are not created or destroyed but only transformed.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs; they contain chlorophyll and thylakoids.

Light reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy, producing ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through carbon fixation.

Photosystems

Protein and pigment complexes in chloroplasts that capture light energy and transfer electrons in the light reactions.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons and pump hydrogen ions to produce ATP during photosynthesis.

Glycolysis

Not specifically mentioned in notes, but refers to the process by which glucose is broken down for energy; occurs after glucose is produced in the Calvin Cycle.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert , carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

sunlight

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances are known as .

Autotrophs

are organisms that obtain organic molecules and energy by consuming other organisms.

Heterotrophs

The light reactions are the first stage of photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy, producing and NADPH.

ATP

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into through carbon fixation is known as the Calvin Cycle.

gl

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert , carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

sunlight

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances are known as .

Autotrophs

are organisms that obtain organic molecules and energy by consuming other organisms.

Heterotrophs

The light reactions are the first stage of photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy, producing and NADPH.

ATP

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into through carbon fixation is known as the Calvin Cycle.

gl