The Big Picture

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy using chlorophyll, sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Calvin Cycle

Takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts, aims to produce glucose from CO2 through steps like carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP using Rubisco enzyme.

Formula for Photosynthesis

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2; Represents the conversion of carbon dioxide, water, and light energy into glucose and oxygen by plants.

Light Reactions

Occur in thylakoid membranes, involve photosystems, electron transport chain, and ATP synthase to generate ATP and NADPH using light energy.

Electron Transport Chain

Located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, uses NADH and FADH2 to produce ATP through complexes I, II, III, IV, with oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

ATP Synthase

Enzyme complex in the inner mitochondrial membrane that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate during oxidative phosphorylation by proton flow through Fo driving rotor rotation.

Cellular Respiration

Converts glucose into ATP through glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain, with oxygen as the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration.

Glycolysis

Breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing 2 ATP in the cytoplasm through steps like ATP investment and energy payoff phases.

Krebs Cycle

Takes place in the mitochondria, generates ATP through the combination of acetyl-CoA with oxaloacetate to form citrate, producing ATP, NADH, FADH2, and CO2.

Fermentation

Process converting sugars into alcohol or acids like alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation in anaerobic conditions, used in making alcoholic beverages, bread, and yogurt.