Photosynthesis and Plant Biology

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to photosynthesis, including the processes, structures involved, and the key discoveries made by scientists in the field.

Photosynthesis

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

Overall Reaction of Photosynthesis

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2, conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Light Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis, occurring in the thylakoid membranes, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

The set of light-independent reactions in photosynthesis that produce glucose from carbon dioxide using ATP and NADPH.

NADPH

An electron carrier that stores energy and reducing power for the Calvin Cycle and is produced during light reactions.

Guard Cells

Specialized cells that regulate the opening and closing of stomata, controlling gas exchange and water loss in plants.

Thylakoid

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Stroma

The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts where the Calvin Cycle takes place.

Light Dependent Reactions

Photosynthetic reactions that use light energy to produce ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membranes.

Carbon Fixation

The process in the Calvin Cycle where carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds.

Photosystem II

A complex of proteins and pigments that absorbs light and drives the splitting of water to release oxygen during light reactions.

Photosystem I

A complex that absorbs light and helps convert electrons into NADPH.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that converts ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP using energy from the flow of H+ ions.

Stomata

Small openings on the leaf surface that allow for gas exchange (CO2 and O2) during photosynthesis.

What consists of a Thylakoid?

Thylakoid membrane surrounding a Thylakoid lumen (where light-dependent reactions occur)

How is a Thylakoid structured?

organized in stacks called grana, interconnected by stroma thylakoids

Where does the calvin cycle start?

Calvin cycle begins in stroma where CO2 is fixed into organic molecules (carbon fixation).

What does NADPH do?

It is an electron carrier