Overview of Biology 211: Biomolecules and Cellular Systems

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to biomolecules and cellular systems in Biology 211.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane, ultimately producing ATP.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that convert CO2 into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Antenna Pigments

Pigments in chloroplasts that absorb light energy and channel it to the reaction center.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process by which ATP is formed as electrons are transferred from electron donors to oxygen.

Photophosphorylation

The process of generating ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using the energy from light.

Cyclic Electron Flow

An alternative pathway for electron transport that generates ATP but not NADPH during photosynthesis.

Non-cyclic Electron Flow

The primary path of electron flow in photosynthesis that produces both NADPH and ATP.

Light-dependent Reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis that require light to produce ATP and NADPH.

Light-independent Reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light but use ATP and NADPH to synthesize glucose.

Proton Motive Force (PMF)

The force that promotes the movement of protons (H+) across membranes during ATP production.

Reaction Centre

The complex in a photosystem where light energy is converted into chemical energy.

Primary Electron Acceptor (PEA)

A molecule in the reaction center that accepts an electron from chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in plants that captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Energy Transformation

The process by which energy changes from one form to another.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light.

Photons

Particles of light that carry energy.

G3P (Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate)

A three-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin Cycle that is a precursor for glucose.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts, where the Calvin Cycle occurs.

Thylakoid Membrane

The membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts that contains the photosystems.

NADP+

The electron carrier molecule that accepts electrons during photosynthesis and is reduced to NADPH.

Ferredoxin

A protein that carries electrons from Photosystem I to NADP+ reductase.

NADPH

The reduced form of NADP+, used as a reducing agent in the Calvin Cycle.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using a proton gradient.

RuBisCO

The enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin Cycle.

Anabolic Process

A metabolic process that builds larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, typically associated with breakdown processes.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input, typically associated with synthesis processes.

Photosystem I and II

Two photosystems involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic prokaryotes that have mechanisms similar to those of higher plants.