Cell Energetics Test Flashcards HONORS 2025-26

autotroph

"self feeder" An organism that makes its own food. Also called a producer

heterotroph

"other feeder" organism that obtains energy from the foods it consumes; also called a consumer

ATP

USEABLE energy for cells (made during cellular respiration)

glucose

A simple sugar made during photosynthesis that is an important source of energy - C6H12O6

aerobic respiration

process that requires oxygen to produce a net of 36 molecules of ATP for every one molecule of glucose

anerobic respiration

the process that does not require oxygen where a small amount of energy is produced along with carbon-dioxide & alcohol or lactic acid

reactant

A chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction

product

a chemical substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction

carbohydrate

compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms; major source of quick energy for organisms

alcohol fermentation and lactic acid fermentation

part of the anaerobic pathway they occur WITHOUT oxygen

organic molecule

A molecule containing carbon that is a part of or produced by living systems. (with the exclusion of CO2)

protein

a compound made of small carbon compounds called amino acids

lipid

macromolecule made mainly from carbon and hydrogen atoms; includes fats, oils, and waxes

photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy. An energy STORING process.

cellular respiration

the process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy (ATP) from food. An energy RELEASING process.

6CO2 + 6H2O + Sunlight Energy------> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Formula for photosynthesis

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -----> 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (ATP)

Formula for cellular respiration

chloroplast

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production via cellular respiration

stomata

the small openings on the undersides of most leaves through which oxygen and carbon dioxide can move

stroma

In plants, the solution that surrounds the thylakoids in a chloroplast. Where light-independent photosynthetic reactions occur

thylakoids

A flattened membrane sac inside the chloroplast, used to convert light energy to chemical energy. Where light-dependent photosynthetic reactions occur

glycolysis

the first step in the breakdown of glucose by enzymes, releasing energy and pyruvic acid.

Phloem

Living vascular tissue that carries sugar and organic substances throughout a plant

Xylem

vascular tissue that carries water and minerals upward from the roots to every part of a plant

Chlorophyll

Green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis

electromagnetic spectrum

the complete range of electromagnetic waves placed in order of increasing frequency

Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

reactions of photosynthesis in which energy from ATP and NADPH is used to build high-energy compounds such as sugars

light-dependent reactions

part of photosynthesis that absorbs energy from sunlight and transfers energy to the light-independent reactions

colors of light plants utilize best

red and blue light

Where carbon atoms used to make glucose in photosynthesis come from.

Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

During photosynthesis, for every 6 molecules of carbon dioxide, how many molecules of glucose do you make?

1 molecule of glucose

Monosaccharide

Monomer of carbohydrates

Amino acids

monomers of proteins

Enzymes

proteins that speed up chemical reactions in cells.

brown paper bag test

A biochemical test for detecting lipids.

How is cellular respiration related to the carbon cycle

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, thus playing a significant role in the cycling of carbon through ecosystems.

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water, demonstrating their interdependence in the carbon cycle.

lactic acid

is a product of anaerobic respiration in muscles, formed when glucose is broken down without sufficient oxygen, leading to muscle fatigue.

dehydration synthesis

is a chemical reaction that PUTS TOGETHER molecules by losing water molecules, commonly used in the formation of polymers from monomers in biological systems.

hydrolysis

is a chemical reaction that BREAKS DOWN molecules by adding water, often used to separate polymers into monomers in biological processes.