Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to photosynthesis, including processes, reactions, and terms.

What is the main purpose of photosynthesis?

To convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

In which organelle does photosynthesis take place?

Chloroplasts.

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.

What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What is the equation for photosynthesis in words?

Carbon dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen.

What do light-dependent reactions produce?

ATP and NADPH.

What molecule is split during the light-dependent reactions?

Water (H2O).

What is the main purpose of the Calvin cycle?

To synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide using ATP and NADPH.

What gas is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide (CO2).

What gas is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis?

Oxygen (O2).

What is the role of ATP in photosynthesis?

To provide energy for various biochemical processes.

What is the role of NADPH in photosynthesis?

To provide reducing power for the Calvin cycle.

Where do the light-dependent reactions take place?

In the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast.

Where does the Calvin cycle occur?

In the stroma of the chloroplast.

What is the first stable product of the Calvin cycle?

3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).

How many molecules of carbon dioxide are needed to produce one glucose molecule?

Six molecules of carbon dioxide.

What is the significance of the Z-scheme in photosynthesis?

It describes the flow of electrons during light-dependent reactions.

What is photolysis?

The splitting of water molecules using light energy.

What is a photon?

A particle of light.

How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

Increases photosynthesis rate up to an optimum temperature, then decreases.

What are the effects of light intensity on photosynthesis?

Increased light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until saturation.

How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

Increased CO2 concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis until it levels off.

What role do stomata play in photosynthesis?

They allow for gas exchange; CO2 enters and O2 exits.

What is the difference between C3 and C4 photosynthesis?

C3 uses a three-carbon compound for the first stable product; C4 uses a four-carbon compound.

What plant types commonly use C4 photosynthesis?

Tropical plants and some grasses.

What is CAM photosynthesis?

Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, where CO2 is fixed at night to reduce water loss.

What is the relationship between respiration and photosynthesis?

They are reciprocal processes; the products of one serve as the reactants for the other.

What are chloroplasts?

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

What is the structure of chlorophyll?

A porphyrin ring with a magnesium ion at its center.

What is photophosphorylation?

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

What are electron carriers?

Molecules that transport electrons during the light-dependent reactions.

What is RuBisCO?

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle.

What role do enzymes play in photosynthesis?

They facilitate biochemical reactions and help increase the efficiency of the processes.

What is a thylakoid?

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where the light reactions occur.

What is the significance of the electron transport chain?

It creates a proton gradient used to generate ATP.

What are the main inputs of the Calvin cycle?

ATP, NADPH, and carbon dioxide.

What is a photosystem?

A complex of proteins and pigments that capture light energy for photosynthesis.

What pigments besides chlorophyll are involved in photosynthesis?

Carotenoids and phycobilins.

What is the end product of the Calvin cycle?

Glucose or G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate).

What adaptations do plants have for photosynthesis in arid environments?

CAM and C4 photosynthesis to minimize water loss.