Photosynthesis - Video Notes (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the photosynthesis lecture notes.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Chloroplast

Organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Light-dependent reactions

Stage that requires light and produces ATP and NADPH, with oxygen released as a byproduct.

Thylakoid

Flattened membrane-bound sacs inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions take place.

Stroma

Fluid surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts; site of the Calvin Cycle.

Calvin Cycle

Also called the light-independent reactions; fixes CO2 to form glucose using ATP and NADPH in the stroma.

Photosystems

Protein clusters in the thylakoid membrane containing chlorophyll that capture light and drive electron transport.

Photosystem II

First photosystem; splits water to release O2 and electrons that enter the electron transport chain.

Photosystem I

Second photosystem; re-energizes electrons and helps convert NADP+ to NADPH.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Series of proteins that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a proton (H+) gradient.

NADP+

Electron carrier that accepts electrons and H+ to form NADPH.

NADPH

Reduced form of NADP+; carries high-energy electrons to the Calvin Cycle.

ATP Synthase

Enzyme that uses the proton gradient to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

ATP

Energy currency produced during photosynthesis, used to power the Calvin Cycle.

H+ gradient (proton gradient)

Difference in proton concentration across the thylakoid membrane that drives ATP synthesis.

Oxygen (O2)

Gas released during photosynthesis when water is split by Photosystem II.

Water (H2O)

Substrate split by Photosystem II to provide electrons and protons, releasing O2.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Gas fixed in the Calvin Cycle to form carbohydrate (glucose).