Photosynthesis Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and processes related to photosynthesis as discussed in the lecture.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, some bacteria, and protistans use sunlight to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight energy for photosynthesis.

Accessory pigments

Other pigments that absorb light energy that chlorophyll a does not; includes chlorophyll b, xanthophylls, and carotenoids.

Xylem vessels

Specialized plant cells that transport water from the roots to the leaves.

Stomata

Small openings in leaves that allow gases to enter and leave, managed by guard cells.

Thylakoid

The structural unit of photosynthesis in chloroplasts, where light-dependent reactions occur.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space in chloroplasts surrounding the thylakoids.

Light-dependent reactions

Reactions occurring in the grana that convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.

Light-independent reactions

Reactions occurring in the stroma using ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.

Photophosphorylation

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

Photoexcitation

The process of chlorophyll absorbing light and boosting electrons to higher energy levels.

Cyclic phosphorylation

Process that generates additional ATP using only Photosystem I without the production of NADPH.

Chemiosmosis

The process by which H+ ions diffuse across a membrane to generate ATP.

Calvin cycle

The series of reactions in light-independent photosynthesis, utilizing CO2 to form glucose.

Limiting factors

Conditions such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature that affect the rate of photosynthesis.