Biol 103: Lecture 7

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the process of photosynthesis as discussed in the lecture.

Photosynthesis

The process by which photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy by synthesizing organic molecules from carbon dioxide and water.

Photoautotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food using light energy; they are primary producers on Earth.

Calvin Cycle

The series of reactions in photosynthesis that fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules, occurring in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Redox Reactions

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, crucial in the energy production during photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll

Green pigment in plants that captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Stroma

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

C3 Pathway

The most common photosynthetic pathway where CO2 is directly fixed into a 3-carbon compound.

C4 Pathway

A photosynthetic process that begins with the formation of a 4-carbon compound, allowing plants to minimize photorespiration and operate efficiently in hot environments.

CAM Pathway

A water-conserving photosynthetic pathway where stomata open at night to capture CO2, allowing photosynthesis to occur during the day.

Photorespiration

Process in which rubisco oxygenates RuBP, causing a wasteful pathway that decreases photosynthetic efficiency.

Photons

Discrete packets of light energy that are absorbed by pigments in plants.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including light, which is utilized in photosynthesis.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis.

NADPH

An electron carrier produced during the light reactions, used in the Calvin Cycle for synthesizing glucose.

Rubisco

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin Cycle by fixing CO2 to ribulose bisphosphate.

Stomata

Tiny openings on plant leaves that facilitate gas exchange, allowing CO2 in and oxygen out.

Proton Gradient

Differential concentration of protons across a membrane used to drive ATP synthesis during photosynthesis.