Essentials of Biology-Chapter 7

Photosynthesis

process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and high-energy carbohydrates such as sugars and starches

Cholorplast

Site of photosynthesis, contains chlorophyll- absobrs light

Cholorophyll

A green chemical in plant cells that allows plants to use the sun's energy for making food

Photosynthesis equation

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

cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

cellular respiration equation

C6H12O6+6O2---> 6CO2+6H2O+ATP

light reactions

The first of two major stages in photosynthesis (preceding the Calvin cycle). These reactions, which occur on the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast or on membranes of certain prokaryotes, convert solar energy to the chemical energy of ATP and NADPH, releasing oxygen in the process.

produced during photosynthesis

glucose and oxygen

Calvin Cycle

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

Wavelength

Horizontal distance between the crests or between the troughs of two adjacent waves

Photostem

light-collecting units of the chloroplast