Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, stored as glucose.

The equation for photosynthesis shows that water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are used to produce glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).

Photosynthesis is broken down into two main steps, light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast. These membranes are like stacks of flattened disks, resembling pancakes.

Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the thylakoid membranes. When light hits chlorophyll, it excites electrons, leading to the electron transport chain.

The electron transport chain uses energy from light to pump hydrogen ions (H+) into the thylakoid space, creating a concentration gradient.

ATP synthase is a protein that uses the H+ gradient to produce ATP, a molecule that stores energy.

Light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, use the ATP and NADPH produced in light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Cellular respiration is the process that breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP, which is used by cells for various functions.

Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm. It involves breaking down glucose (6 carbons) into two pyruvate molecules (3 carbons each).

The Krebs cycle takes place in the mitochondria. It is a series of reactions that break down acetyl CoA, generating energy and electron carriers (NADH and FADH2).

The electron transport chain is the final stage of cellular respiration, where the electron carriers NADH and FADH2 drop off electrons. This chain is essential for generating the majority of ATP molecules.

Pyruvate oxidation is the process where pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA before entering the Krebs cycle. This involves the release of a carbon dioxide molecule.

The cell cycle is a series of events that occur in a cell, leading to its division. This process ensures growth, development, and repair of cells.

Mitosis is a type of cell division where a single parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This is asexual reproduction.

The electron carriers NADH and FADH2 are essential for the electron transport chain. They carry electrons generated during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, transferring them to the chain to produce ATP.

Electron carriers are molecules that transport electrons in the form of hydrogen ions. These electrons are crucial for various cellular processes, including the formation of chemical bonds in the Calvin Cycle.

The Calvin Cycle, also known as the light-independent reactions, is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts. It utilizes ATP and NADPH, produced during the light-dependent reactions, to convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon sources like glucose.

Rubisco, an enzyme found in plants, plays a vital role in carbon fixation. It captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into an organic form, making it usable for the plant.

The light-dependent reactions, occurring in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, utilize sunlight to generate ATP and NADPH. These energy-rich molecules are crucial for powering the Calvin Cycle.

The light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) and the light-dependent reactions work together in photosynthesis. The light-dependent reactions provide the ATP and NADPH that the Calvin Cycle needs to produce glucose.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. It occurs in two stages: the light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, or G3P, is a three-carbon sugar that serves as a precursor for many important carbohydrates, including glucose, starch, and cellulose. It's a key product of the Calvin Cycle.

ATP is a high-energy molecule used by cells for various functions. It is formed during both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The breakdown of ATP releases energy that powers cellular processes.

The period of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

The phase where the cell's DNA is replicated, resulting in two identical copies.

The phase after DNA replication where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

A non-dividing state where cells can remain for extended periods, and can re-enter the cell cycle when needed.

The first phase of mitosis, during which the nuclear envelope breaks down, chromosomes condense, and the mitotic spindle starts forming.

The phase of mitosis where chromosomes align along the middle of the cell, forming a line.

The phase of mitosis where sister chromatids (copies of a chromosome) are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite poles of the cell.