Photosynthesis Flashcards

Photosynthesis Overview

• ATP is a vital energy currency for cells, capable of easily releasing and storing energy through the manipulation of phosphate group bonds.
• Photosynthesis converts sunlight energy into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates, allowing plants to create food.

Key Terminology

• ATP: Primary compound for energy storage and release in cells.
• Heterotrophs: Organisms that obtain food by consuming other living beings.
• Autotrophs: Organisms that synthesize their own food using sunlight or inorganic materials.
• Photosynthesis: Process in which autotrophs use sunlight to produce high-energy carbohydrates such as sugars and starches.

Role of Pigments

• Pigments in photosynthetic organisms absorb sunlight energy to facilitate photosynthesis.
• Chlorophyll: Principal pigment in plants responsible for capturing light energy.

Photosynthesis Process

• Reactants: Water and carbon dioxide are converted using sunlight energy.
• Products: High-energy sugars and oxygen are produced during the process.

Photosynthesis Structure

• Thylakoids: Sac-like structures where light-dependent reactions occur.
• Stroma: Fluid component surrounding thylakoids in chloroplasts.

Electron Transport and Energy Carriers

• NADP+: An electron carrier that accepts high-energy electrons and hydrogen ions.
• Electron Transport Chain: Series of proteins that transfer high-energy electrons to generate ATP.

Types of Reactions

• Light-dependent reactions: Utilize light energy to produce oxygen, ATP, and NADPH.
• Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle): Utilize ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into high-energy sugars.

Factors Impacting Photosynthesis

• Key factors influencing photosynthesis include temperature, light intensity, and the availability of water.
• Photosystems consist of clusters of chlorophyll and proteins that facilitate the absorption of light.

ATP Production

• ATP Synthase: Enzyme that enables H+ ions to move across the membrane, generating ATP during photosynthesis.

Importance of the Calvin Cycle

• The Calvin Cycle utilizes energy from ATP and NADPH to create stable high-energy carbohydrate compounds, which can be stored for long-term energy needs.

Explore essential concepts of photosynthesis with these flashcards. Learn about the role of ATP in energy transfer and the overall process of converting sunlight into chemical energy. This quiz is perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of plant biology.