Chapter 7 - photosynthesis (freestyle notes:)

Photosynthetic Organisms

Organisms that transform solar energy into chemical energy, including plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis; also known as producers.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that rely on consuming other organisms for energy and nutrients; also known as consumers.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert solar energy into chemical energy like glucose, using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.

Raw materials for photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide and water are the reactants required for the photosynthesis process.

Stomata

Small openings in the leaf that allow carbon dioxide to enter.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll and absorb solar energy.

Stroma

The semi-fluid interior of chloroplasts where CO2 is enzymatically reduced to carbohydrates.

Light Dependent Reaction

The first stage of photosynthesis that captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).

Dark Reaction (Calvin Cycle)

The second stage of photosynthesis that uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Oxygen in photosynthesis

Produced during photosynthesis and is essential for cellular respiration.