MAME Ch 6 Discussion

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to photosynthesis, phototrophy, and related metabolic processes as outlined in the lecture notes.

Photosynthesis (ps)

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Phototrophy

A metabolic process that uses light as an energy source.

Chlorophyll-based phototrophy

A type of phototrophy that uses chlorophyll to capture light energy for photosynthesis.

Rhodopsin-based phototrophy

A type of phototrophy that utilizes rhodopsin to harness light energy.

Primary production

The creation of organic compounds by primary producers through photosynthesis.

Oxygenic photosynthesis

Photosynthesis that produces oxygen as a byproduct, primarily using water as an electron donor.

Photoheterotrophy

A mode of nutrition where organisms use light for energy but rely on organic compounds for carbon.

Mixotrophy

A nutritional strategy where organisms can use both autotrophic and heterotrophic methods to obtain energy and nutrients.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs)

Rapid increases in the population of algae in water bodies that can have harmful effects on the environment.

Gluconeogenesis

A metabolic pathway that results in the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors.

Calvin cycle

A biochemical cycle that involves the fixation of carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds.

Accessory pigments

Pigments that assist in photosynthesis by capturing additional light wavelengths not absorbed by chlorophyll.

Inorganic nutrients

Essential chemical compounds, such as NH4, NO3, NO2, and PO4, that are required for microbial and plant growth.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Oxygen that is present in water, significant for aquatic life and influenced by various metabolic processes.

Net O2 production

The total amount of oxygen produced minus the amount consumed in respiration.

Coccoid cyanobacteria

A type of cyanobacteria that plays a significant role in carbon fixation in oceanic environments.

Filamentous cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria forming long filaments, contributing to aquatic ecosystems and carbon fixation.

Picoeukaryote phytoplankton

Small eukaryotic organisms found in water, important for marine ecosystems and carbon cycling.

Diatoms

Microscopic algae with silica cell walls, significant to marine primary production and biodiversity.

Dinoflagellates

A group of unicellular organisms important for marine ecosystems that can cause harmful algal blooms.