Glencoe Biology - 8.1, 8.2: Cellular Energy and Photosynthesis

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Energy-carrying biological molecule, which, when broken down, drives cellular activities.

Calvin cycle

Light-independent reactions during phase two of photosynthesis in which energy is stored in organic molecules as glucose.

Energy

Ability to do work; energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Granum

One of the stacks of pigment-containing thylakoids in a plant's chloroplasts.

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions that occur within an organism.

NADP+

In photosynthesis, the major electron carrier involved in electron transport. 'uncharged' version which is recycled and sent back to the light reaction

Photosynthesis

Chemical reaction in which the Sun's light energy is converted to chemical energy for use by the cell.

Pigment

Light-absorbing colored molecule, such as chlorophyll and carotenoid, in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

Stroma

Fluid-filled space outside the grana in which light-dependent reactions take place.

Thylakoid

In chloroplasts, one of the stacked, flattened, pigment-containing membranes in which light-dependent reactions occur.

Autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food. Usually w/ photosynthesis. could be chemosynthesis

Heterotrophs

Organisms that need to ingest food for energy. Includes Animals, fungi, protists and some bacteria.

Photosynthesis Equation

6CO2+ 6H2O=> C6H12O6+ 6O2

ADP

adenosine diphosphate; molecule that ATP becomes when it gives up one of its three phosphate groups. 'uncharged battery'

NADPH

An electron carrier involved in photosynthesis. (Light drives electrons from chlorophyll to NADP+, forming NADPH, which provides the high-energy electrons for Calvin cycle.)

catabolism

break down of larger more complex molecules into simper ones, when this is done energy is released. Essentially eating.   Done by heterotrophs.

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that build molecules, requiring energy. Photosynthesis is an example.  Done by Autotrophs

Glucose

C6H12O6. An energy molecule, food, carbohydrate, sugar

CO2

Used in the Calvin Cycle or light independent reaction as a source of Carbon to create sugars.

Water

An input in the light reaction of PS. Supplies H+ to help create ATP. Also is source of waste product O2