Photosynthesis Flashcards

Cell Transport Mechanisms

• Diffusion: Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.
• Osmosis: Specific type of diffusion, involving the movement of water through a cell membrane.
• Active Transport: Movement of substances across a cell membrane that requires energy.

Photosynthesis Overview

• Photosynthesis: Process converting light energy into chemical energy, producing food (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) for plants and certain organisms.
• Influenced by light intensity and temperature; optimal conditions enhance the rate of photosynthesis.
• Chloroplasts: Organelles in plant leaves where photosynthesis occurs, converting reactants to products.

Key Components of Photosynthesis

• Chlorophyll: Pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight and initiates photosynthesis.
• Reactants: Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight are essential for photosynthesis.
• Products: Glucose (sugar) and oxygen are produced by the process.

Role of Plant Structures

• Roots: Absorb water and nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, magnesium) from the soil.
• Soil: Provides necessary nutrients for plant growth.
• Stomata: Openings on leaves allowing gas exchange—carbon dioxide in and oxygen out.
• Xylem: Vascular tissue in stems transporting water from roots to the rest of the plant.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• Producers: Organisms, primarily plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis.
• Energy Source: All organisms derive energy directly or indirectly from sunlight.

Cellular Respiration

• Respiration: Process by which animal cells extract energy from glucose, releasing carbon dioxide as waste.
• Reactants for respiration include glucose and oxygen; products are carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

Chemical Equations

• Photosynthesis Equation:
  • 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Respiration Equation:
  • C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
• Photosynthesis and respiration are inversely related processes.

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Plants utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose, the carbohydrate necessary for energy, growth, and survival.
• Glucose can be utilized immediately or stored for later use; it can also be transformed into complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for various metabolic functions.