Cellular Processes and Thermodynamics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular processes such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, the role of enzymes, and principles of thermodynamics.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy (glucose) using CO₂ and H₂O, releasing O₂.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce CO₂, H₂O, and ATP.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that produces NADH and FADH₂.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.

Chemiosmosis

The process by which ATP is produced in both chloroplasts and mitochondria due to a H+ gradient.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy and binding substrates to their active site.

Exergonic Reactions

Chemical reactions that release energy, such as those involved in respiration.

Endergonic Reactions

Chemical reactions that require energy input, such as those involved in photosynthesis.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy transfers increase entropy (disorder); some energy is always lost as heat.

Carbon Fixation

The process where CO₂ is attached to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) by the enzyme rubisco during the Calvin cycle.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Reactions that occur in the thylakoids during photosynthesis that produce ATP and NADPH.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, regenerating NAD+ and producing lactate (in animals) or ethanol and CO₂ (in yeast).

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily in red and blue wavelengths.

Optimal Temperature and pH

Specific conditions under which enzymes perform most effectively.

Photolysis

The splitting of water in photosynthesis to provide protons and electrons, releasing O₂ as a byproduct.

Glycolysis

The process that occurs in the cytoplasm where glucose is broken down into 2 pyruvate, producing 2 ATP and 2 NADH.