biology yr 12

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose.

Light-independent reaction

The phase of photosynthesis that occurs in the chloroplast stroma, where carbon dioxide is fixed to produce glucose with the help of ATP and NADPH.

Enzymes

Proteins with active sites that speed up chemical reactions by binding to substrates and forming products.

Enzyme denaturation

When enzymes lose their shape due to unfavorable pH or temperature conditions, leading to a loss of function.

Enzyme inhibitors

Molecules that can bind to enzymes, either competitively (at the active site) or non-competitively (at other sites), affecting enzyme activity.

Cells

Basic units of life categorized into prokaryotes (bacteria) lacking a nucleus and eukaryotes (plants, animals) with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cellular respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells, through aerobic respiration (with oxygen) or anaerobic respiration (without oxygen).

Photosynthesis formula

6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2, representing the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen during photosynthesis.

Anaerobic respiration

Respiration without oxygen, yielding less energy quickly, often termed fermentation in microorganisms.

Aerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration in the presence of oxygen, common in plants and animals, producing water and carbon dioxide as byproducts.