Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, designed to help students understand key terms and concepts.

Photosynthesis

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

Cellular Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy (ATP) for cellular activities.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place, containing chlorophyll.

Calvin Cycle

A set of biochemical reactions that occur in the chloroplasts during photosynthesis, involving the fixation of carbon dioxide.

Light Reaction

The first stage of photosynthesis where sunlight is converted into ATP and NADPH.

NADPH

An electron carrier that transports high-energy electrons during photosynthesis.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, driven by a proton gradient.

G3P (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate)

A three-carbon sugar produced during the Calvin cycle, which can be used to form glucose and other carbohydrates.

C3 Photosynthesis

A type of photosynthesis where CO2 is fixed into a 3-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle; common in most plants.

C4 Photosynthesis

A type of photosynthesis that minimizes water loss by fixing CO2 into a 4-carbon compound; used by certain plants in hot, dry environments.

CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)

A photosynthetic adaptation in which plants take in CO2 at night and use it during the day, minimizing water loss.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants that is crucial for photosynthesis, absorbing light energy.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons and create a proton gradient, leading to ATP production.

Intermediates

Compounds that form in the reaction pathway of the Calvin cycle that are essential for synthesizing glucose.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often related to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.

Tropical Rain Forest Destruction

The clearing or thinning of tropical rainforests, impacting biodiversity and carbon cycles, and affecting photosynthesis.