In-Depth Notes on Fermentation and Photosynthesis

Fermentation

Metabolism that occurs without oxygen (anaerobic).

Glycolysis

A process that occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.

NAD+

An input in glycolysis, regenerated during oxidative phosphorylation in the presence of O2; fermentation regenerates NAD+ in the absence of O2.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A type of fermentation where NADH transfers electrons directly to pyruvate, forming lactate as a byproduct.

Alcohol Fermentation

A type of fermentation where pyruvate is converted to acetaldehyde and then to ethanol.

Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers (Type 1)

Muscle fibers that rely on aerobic processes for endurance, characterized by more mitochondria and myoglobin.

Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers (Type 2)

Muscle fibers that operate anaerobically for sprinting, characterized by less mitochondria and being shorter and fatter.

Photosynthesis

The transformation of light energy into chemical energy (sugars) occurring in plant cell chloroplasts.

Light Reactions

Processes that convert light energy into ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membranes.

Calvin Cycle

A process that utilizes ATP and NADPH to produce sugars, occurring in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Chlorophyll a

A pigment that absorbs light primarily at 430 nm and 662 nm.

Chlorophyll b

A pigment that absorbs light primarily at 453 nm and 642 nm.

β-carotene

An accessory pigment that protects chlorophyll and absorbs light at 400-500 nm.

Photosystem II (PS II)

A complex that absorbs light at 680 nm, transferring excited electrons and splitting water to produce O2.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A sequence where electrons flow from PS II to PS I, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Photosystem I (PS I)

A complex that absorbs light at 700 nm to excite electrons for NADPH production.