Energy and Life: Autotrophs, Heterotrophs, and Photosynthesis

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to energy and life, focusing on autotrophs, heterotrophs, ATP, and the process of photosynthesis.

Autotrophs

Organisms that capture energy from sunlight or chemicals to produce their own food.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that must obtain energy from the foods they consume.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; a chemical compound used by all types of cells as their basic energy source.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in chemical compounds that can be released through chemical reactions.

Photosynthesis

The process in which green plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into high-energy carbohydrates and oxygen.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in plants that absorbs light well in the blue-violet and red regions of the visible spectrum.

Light-dependent reactions

Reactions that require light, produce oxygen gas, and convert ADP and NADP+ into the energy carriers ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

Light-independent reactions in photosynthesis occurring in the stroma, using ATP and NADPH to produce glucose.

NADP+

An electron carrier molecule that accepts and holds 2 high-energy electrons along with a hydrogen ion (H+), converting into NADPH.

Thylakoids

Saclike photosynthetic membranes contained in chloroplasts, organized into stacks known as grana.