Mass vs Biomass:

• Mass: Refers to the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in grams or kilograms.

• Biomass: Refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area, often measured in terms of dry weight per unit area.

• Autotrophs: Organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

• Heterotrophs: Organisms that rely on consuming other organisms for food.

Photosynthesis Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Chemosynthesis:

• Process where organisms produce energy from inorganic compounds

• Occurs in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and some bacteria

• Does not require sunlight for energy production

Pigments Definition: Pigments are substances that impart color to other materials through selective absorption and reflection of light. They are often used in paints, inks, cosmetics, and other applications to provide coloration.

Chloroplast Definition: A chloroplast is a specialized organelle found in plant cells that is responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

• Light Dependent Reactions:

  • Occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts where specialized pigments like chlorophyll capture light energy.

  • This process requires light energy to split water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons, which are used to produce ATP and NADPH.

  • The generated oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct, playing a crucial role in sustaining aerobic life on Earth.

  • Additionally, the light-dependent reactions involve a series of complex electron transport chains and ATP synthase enzymes to generate the energy carriers ATP and NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin Cycle.

• Calvin Cycle:

  • Takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts, which is the fluid-filled area surrounding the thylakoid membranes.

  • This cycle utilizes the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules into glucose through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

  • Also referred to as the light-independent reactions or dark reactions, the Calvin Cycle does not directly require light to occur, hence its alternative names.

  • The cycle plays a vital role in carbon fixation, as it assimilates atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, ultimately contributing to the synthesis of sugars, lipids, and other essential biomolecules needed for plant growth and development.

• Cell Wall: Rigid outer layer providing structure.

• Stomata: Pores for gas exchange.

• Root Hairs: Increase surface area for absorption.

• Xylem: Transports water and minerals.

• Phloem: Transports sugars and nutrients.

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and other food molecules to produce ATP, which is used as energy for cellular activities. It occurs in the mitochondria of cells and involves three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

• Glycolysis: Glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration, is a vital metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of cells. This process involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, ultimately yielding a small amount of ATP and NADH. The series of reactions in glycolysis play a crucial role in extracting energy from glucose to fuel various cellular activities.

• Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): The Krebs Cycle, also known as the Citric Acid Cycle, is a central component of cellular respiration that occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. This cycle completes the oxidation of glucose by further breaking down pyruvate into carbon dioxide. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, the Krebs Cycle generates ATP, NADH, and FADH2, which serve as energy carriers for the subsequent step in cellular respiration.

• Electron Transport Chain (ETC): The Electron Transport Chain is a critical process that takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a key role in the final stage of cellular respiration by utilizing the energy carriers NADH and FADH2 generated in glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle. Through a series of redox reactions, the ETC facilitates the transfer of electrons, leading to the production of a large amount of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. This highly efficient process is essential for the majority of ATP production in aerobic organisms.

Mitochondria: Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell as they generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Anaerobic Respiration:

• Definition: Cellular respiration without oxygen.

• Purpose: Produces energy in the absence of oxygen.

Aerobic Respiration:

• Definition: Cellular respiration with oxygen.

• Purpose: Generates energy more efficiently with oxygen.

• Alcoholic Fermentation: Converts pyruvate into ethanol and carbon dioxide, regenerating NAD+ for glycolysis in anaerobic conditions.

• Lactic Acid Fermentation: Converts pyruvate into lactic acid, regenerating NAD+ for glycolysis in anaerobic conditions.

Carbon Cycle: Sources vs Sink

Source put carbon into the atmosphere

Sink absorb carbon in the atmosphere