WEEK 5: SCIENCE 8 (1ST QUARTER)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering photosynthesis, cellular respiration, the water cycle, and the carbon cycle from Week 5 notes.

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (sugar) for energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Where does photosynthesis mainly occur?

In the chloroplasts of plant cells, especially in the leaves.

What molecules are produced by the Light-Dependent Reactions?

ATP and NADPH, with oxygen released as a byproduct.

Where do the Light-Dependent Reactions take place?

In the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts; these reactions require sunlight.

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Light-Dependent Reactions and Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle).

What is another name for the Light-Independent Reactions?

Calvin Cycle.

Where does the Calvin Cycle occur?

In the stroma of chloroplasts.

What do Light-Independent Reactions use to make glucose?

ATP, NADPH, and carbon dioxide.

What is cellular respiration?

The process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water.

What are the four stages of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, Pyruvate Oxidation, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain.

Where does glycolysis occur?

In the cytoplasm.

What happens during glycolysis?

Glucose is split into two pyruvate molecules in the cytoplasm.

What happens during Pyruvate Oxidation?

Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA with release of carbon dioxide; location in the mitochondrial matrix.

What happens during the Krebs Cycle?

Acetyl-CoA is broken down to CO2; electrons are transferred to carriers; location in the mitochondrial matrix.

What happens during the Electron Transport Chain?

Electrons from carriers are used to produce energy; oxygen forms water at the end; located on the inner mitochondrial membrane.

What is the Water Cycle?

The essential process that governs the movement and transformation of water across the planet.

What is Evaporation?

Water changes from liquid to vapor due to heat from the sun.

What is Condensation?

Water vapor cools and changes into clouds.

What is Precipitation?

Occurs when cloud droplets merge and grow too heavy to remain airborne.

What is Infiltration?

The process by which water seeps into the soil, gradually making its way to aquifers.

What is Runoff?

Water that flows over the ground into rivers, lakes, and oceans when the soil cannot absorb it.

What is Transpiration?

The process where plants release water vapor from their leaves into the air, helping move water back into the atmosphere.

What is the Carbon Cycle?

The continuous movement of carbon among the atmosphere, living things, oceans, and the Earth, including processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.