Study Guide 2025 Photosynthesis/Cellular Respiration

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to photosynthesis and cellular respiration, based on the student's study guide.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that carries energy within cells.

Function of ATP in cells

ATP is used as an energy currency in cells to power various biological processes.

Parts of the ATP molecule

ATP consists of adenine, ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups.

Energy storage in ATP

Energy is stored in the high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups.

Producers

Organisms that produce their own food; another name for producers is autotrophs.

Autotroph vs. Heterotroph

Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs obtain food by consuming other organisms.

Function of photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Storage of glucose in plants and animals

In plants, glucose is stored as starch; in animals, it is stored as glycogen.

Balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2; reactants are carbon dioxide and water, products are glucose and oxygen.

Meaning of the photosynthesis equation

It indicates that plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.

Balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP; reactants are glucose and oxygen, products are carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.

Meaning of the cellular respiration equation

It describes the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Organisms using glycolysis for energy

All organisms, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes, use glycolysis to generate ATP.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Cellular respiration producing most ATP

Aerobic respiration produces the most ATP compared to anaerobic respiration.

Relationship of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, which are used in cellular respiration to produce ATP; they are interconnected processes.

Part of cellular respiration making the most ATP

The electron transport chain produces the most ATP during cellular respiration.

Venn diagram notes

Use facts to compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration, including requirements, processes, and products.

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic cellular respiration

Aerobic requires oxygen and produces about 36 ATP, while anaerobic does not require oxygen and produces only 2 ATP.