Photosynthesis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why is ATP useful to cells?

ATP can easily release and store energy by breaking and re-forming the bonds between its phosphate groups.

What happens during the process of photosynthesis?

Plants convert the energy of sunlight into chemical energy stored in the bonds of carbohydrates.

What is ATP?

One of the most important compounds that cells use to store and release energy.

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that obtain food by consuming other living things. Signup and view all the answers

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that make their own food. Signup and view all the answers

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which autotrophs use the energy of sunlight to produce high-energy carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What role do pigments play in the process of photosynthesis?

They capture energy from sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What are electron carrier molecules?

A compound that can accept a pair of high-energy electrons and transfer them to another molecule. Signup and view all the answers

Photosynthesis uses the energy of sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide (reactants) into _ and _.

high-energy sugars and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What are pigments?

Light-absorbing molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is chlorophyll?

The plants' principal pigment. Signup and view all the answers

What are thylakoids?

Sac-like photosynthetic substances. Signup and view all the answers

What is stroma?

Fluid portion of the chloroplast. Signup and view all the answers

What is NADP+?

Accepts and holds 2 high-energy electrons along with a hydrogen positive ion. Signup and view all the answers

What are light-dependent reactions?

They require the direct involvement of light and light-absorbing pigments. Signup and view all the answers

What are light-independent reactions?

ATP and NADPH molecules produced in the light-dependent reactions are used to produce high-energy sugars from carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during light-dependent reactions?

Uses energy from sunlight to produce oxygen and convert ADP and NADP+ into ATP and NADPH. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during light-independent reactions?

ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions are used to produce high-energy sugars. Signup and view all the answers

What factors affect photosynthesis?

Temperature, light intensity, and availability of water. Signup and view all the answers

What are photosystems?

Clusters of chlorophyll and proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the electron transport chain?

A series of electron carrier proteins that shuttle high-energy electrons during ATP-generating reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is ATP Synthase?

Spans the membrane and allows H+ ions to pass through it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Calvin Cycle?

Plants use the energy that ATP and NADPH contain to build stable high-energy carbohydrate compounds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.