Energy Storage and Photosynthesis Process

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, main energy carrier.

ADP

Adenosine diphosphate, ATP with one phosphate missing.

Phosphate Bonds

Energy stored in ATP's phosphate groups.

Glucose

Sugar molecule, stores 90 times ATP's energy.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

Photosynthesis

Process converting sunlight into chemical energy.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs.

Thylakoids

Membranes in chloroplasts where light reactions happen.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts.

Photosystems

Clusters of pigments capturing sunlight energy.

Electron Carriers

Transport high-energy electrons from chlorophyll.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Convert light energy into chemical energy.

Calvin Cycle

Light-independent reactions producing glucose.

Reactants of Light Reactions

Water and sunlight are required.

Products of Light Reactions

Oxygen, ATP, and NADPH are produced.

Reactants of Calvin Cycle

ATP, NADPH, and carbon dioxide are used.

Products of Calvin Cycle

Glucose is the main product.

Light Absorbing Molecules

Pigments that capture sunlight energy.

Chlorophyll

Main pigment absorbing blue and red light.

Light Reactions

Occur in thylakoids, require sunlight.

Dark Reactions

Occur in stroma, do not require sunlight.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Water, temperature, and light intensity influence rates.

Energy Release from ATP

ATP breaks down into ADP and phosphate.

High-Energy Sugars

Produced in Calvin Cycle using ATP and NADPH.