Photosynthesis Flashcards

Study Notes

Granum

Composed of stacked thylakoids, serves as the site for capturing sunlight energy in chloroplasts.
Plays a critical role in the light reactions of photosynthesis.

Lamellae

Structures that connect grana, acting as bridges between them for efficient energy transfer.

Stroma

Gel-like substance surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts.
This region facilitates the enzymatic reactions necessary for the dark reactions of photosynthesis.

Thylakoid

Disc-shaped sacs within the inner membrane of chloroplasts.
Essential for converting light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants harness the sun's energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars.
Fundamental for plant growth and energy production.

Glucose

Chemical formula: C6H12O6.
Serves as a primary quick source of energy for plants and many organisms.

Calvin Cycle

A biochemical pathway where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using energy from ATP and NADPH.
Also known as the dark reactions, as it does not require light directly.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
Vital for the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy.

Light Reactions

The initial phase of photosynthesis that requires light to occur.
Begins with the absorption of light by chloroplasts to generate energy-rich molecules.

Dark Reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light but depend on products from light reactions.
Utilize ATP and NADPH to form glucose.

Carbon Fixation

The process of incorporating carbon from carbon dioxide into organic compounds.
An essential step for autotrophic organisms in building macromolecules.

Autotroph

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Chloroplast

A specialized plastid that contains chlorophyll.
The principal site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A key energy carrier in all living cells, powers various cellular processes, including active transport.
Can induce conformational changes in transport proteins to facilitate solute movement.

Sunlight

The primary energy source for the photosynthetic process.
Essential for driving the overall mechanism of photosynthesis in plants.

Description

Explore key terms related to photosynthesis through these flashcards. Each card covers an important structure within chloroplasts, enhancing your understanding of how plants capture sunlight. Perfect for students studying biology.