Photosynthesis and Population Ecology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to photosynthesis and population ecology, including definitions and explanations.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to create food.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can form food from sunlight or chemicals.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that must consume food for their energy.

Chlorophyll

Pigment used by plant cells to capture light energy.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plants that carry out photosynthesis.

Thylakoid

Area within the chloroplasts where the light-dependent reaction takes place.

Stroma

Area within the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle takes place.

Water

Used in the light-dependent reaction, it is split to form hydrogen and oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide

Required in the Calvin cycle to provide the raw ingredients to make glucose.

Mitochondria

Organelles that use glucose to harvest energy for the cell.

Oxygen

This molecule is released as a product during the light dependent reactions.

Glucose

A product of photosynthesis; energy storage molecule.

Calvin Cycle

During this reaction, carbon dioxide is used to create glucose.

Light-dependent Reaction

During this reaction, ATP is produced to power the Calvin cycle.

ATP

This energy storing molecule contains 3 phosphates, adenosine, and ribose.

Carbohydrates

long chains glucose forms

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.

Exponential Growth

The population grows without a limit (ideal conditions).

Logistic Growth

The population grows quickly at first and then levels off.

Carrying Capacity

The theoretical maximum population that an environment can support.

Limiting Factors

Biotic and abiotic factors that limit the growth or size of a population.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different species.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Chemosynthesis

A process that uses chemicals instead of sunlight to make food.