Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

What is photosynthesis?

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

Where does photosynthesis occur?

Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are the primary reactants of photosynthesis.

What are the products of photosynthesis?

Glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) are the products of photosynthesis.

What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

What is the role of chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light energy, which is necessary for photosynthesis.

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

The light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

What happens during the light-dependent reactions?

Light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Where do the light-dependent reactions take place?

In the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.

What is produced during the light-dependent reactions?

ATP, NADPH, and oxygen (O2) as a byproduct.

What is the Calvin cycle?

The process by which carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions.

Where does the Calvin cycle occur?

In the stroma of the chloroplasts.

What is cellular respiration?

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

What are the three main stages of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.

Where does glycolysis take place?

In the cytoplasm of the cell.

What is the main purpose of glycolysis?

To break down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.

What happens during the citric acid cycle?

Pyruvate is further broken down, releasing carbon dioxide and producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Where does the citric acid cycle occur?

In the mitochondria of the cell.

What is the role of NADH and FADH2?

They are electron carriers that transport high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain.

What happens during oxidative phosphorylation?

The energy from electrons is used to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Where does oxidative phosphorylation occur?

In the inner mitochondrial membrane.

What is the overall equation for cellular respiration?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

What is anaerobic respiration?

A form of respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing less energy than aerobic respiration.

What are the two types of fermentation?

Lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation.

What is lactic acid fermentation?

The process by which glucose is converted into lactic acid and energy without oxygen.

Where does lactic acid fermentation occur?

In muscle cells and some bacteria.

What is alcoholic fermentation?

The process by which glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide without oxygen.

Where does alcoholic fermentation occur?

In yeast and some bacteria.

What is the purpose of the electron transport chain?

To transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, pumping protons to create a gradient.

What is the significance of the proton gradient?

It drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase during oxidative phosphorylation.

How much ATP is produced in total from one molecule of glucose through cellular respiration?

Approximately 30-32 ATP molecules.

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis (e.g., plants).

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

What role do stomata play in photosynthesis?

Stomata are openings on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out).

What is the significance of light in photosynthesis?

Light provides the energy needed for the light-dependent reactions.

What is water's role in photosynthesis?

Water is a source of electrons and protons, and it releases oxygen during the process.

What are the two main chlorophyll types in plants?

Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b.

What is photorespiration?

A process where oxygen is consumed, and carbon dioxide is released, which reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis.

What is the difference between C3, C4, and CAM plants?

C3 plants use the Calvin cycle directly, C4 plants have a spatial separation of CO2 fixation, and CAM plants have a temporal separation.

What does ATP stand for?

Adenosine Triphosphate.

What does NADPH stand for?

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate, an electron carrier.

How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

Extreme temperatures can slow down or halt photosynthesis due to enzyme denaturation.

What is the role of RuBisCO?

RuBisCO is the enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of CO2 in the Calvin cycle.

What are the end products of the light-dependent reactions?

ATP and NADPH.

What are thylakoids?

Membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts that house the light-dependent reactions.

What is the function of ATP synthase?

To convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP using the proton gradient.

What is the significance of cellular respiration?

It provides energy for cellular processes by breaking down glucose.

What is the primary energy currency of cells?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).