Photosynthesis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that make their own food (correct)

Organisms that consume other organisms for energy

Organisms that cannot photosynthesize

All of the above

What do photoautotrophs do?

Convert light from the sun into chemical energy

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants use light energy to make sugars and organic molecules

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that cannot make their own organic food molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is chlorophyll?

A green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is mesophyll?

The green tissue in the interior of a leaf Signup and view all the answers

What are stomata?

Pores that allow gas exchange in leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is stroma in a chloroplast?

The dense fluid that surrounds the thylakoid membrane Signup and view all the answers

What are thylakoids?

Flattened membranous sacs inside a chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

What is a granum?

A stack of thylakoids in a chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

What are light reactions?

The first stage of photosynthesis where solar energy is converted to chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

What is NADP+?

An electron acceptor involved in photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the Calvin cycle?

The second stage of photosynthesis that produces G3P from CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is carbon fixation?

The incorporation of carbon from CO2 into organic compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The entire range of radiation wavelengths Signup and view all the answers

What is wavelength?

The distance between crests of adjacent waves Signup and view all the answers

What is a photon?

A fixed quantity of light energy Signup and view all the answers

What is a photosystem?

A light-capturing unit in a chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

What is photophosphorylation?

The production of ATP during light reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is chlorophyll a?

A type of chlorophyll that absorbs blue-violet and red light Signup and view all the answers

What is a C3 plant?

A plant that uses the Calvin cycle for CO2 fixation Signup and view all the answers

What is photorespiration?

A process that consumes oxygen and releases CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is a C4 plant?

A plant that incorporates CO2 into four-carbon compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is a CAM plant?

A plant adapted for photosynthesis in arid conditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Autotrophs produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis, allowing them to thrive without consuming other organisms.
Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and rely on consuming other organisms or organic materials for energy.

Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis is a biochemical process used by plants, autotrophic protists, and some bacteria to convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars and organic compounds.

Key Components of Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll: The green pigment in chloroplasts responsible for capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
Mesophyll: The leaf tissue where most photosynthesis occurs, containing a high density of chloroplasts.
Stomata: Pores on leaf surfaces that facilitate gas exchange; they allow CO2 in and permit water and O2 out.
Stroma: The fluid within chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle occurs, synthesizing glucose from CO2 and energy.

Thylakoids and Granum

Thylakoids: Membranous sacs in chloroplasts where light reactions occur; contain chlorophyll.
Granum: A stack of thylakoids, crucial for capturing light energy during the light reactions.

Stages of Photosynthesis

Light Reactions: Initial stage that converts solar energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH) without producing sugar.
Calvin Cycle: The second stage that uses ATP and NADPH from light reactions to synthesize glucose in the stroma.

Carbon Fixation

The process of incorporating atmospheric CO2 into organic compounds, crucial for forming energy-rich sugars in plants.

Light and Energy

Electromagnetic Spectrum: Range of all types of radiation, including the wavelengths visible to plants for photosynthesis.
Wavelength: Distance between wave crests; shorter wavelengths correspond to more energetic photons.
Photon: Basic unit of light energy; energy level is inversely related to wavelength.

Photosystems and Energy Production

Photosystem: Complex in thylakoid membranes that captures light energy for conversion during photosynthesis.
Photophosphorylation: ATP production linked to light absorption during the light reactions.

Specific Plant Types

C3 Plants: Use the Calvin cycle for initial CO2 incorporation, producing three-carbon compounds.
C4 Plants: Incorporate CO2 into four-carbon compounds before the Calvin cycle to enhance efficiency.
CAM Plants: Adaptation for arid conditions; they fix CO2 at night to minimize water loss during the day.

Photorespiration

A metabolic pathway that occurs under hot, dry conditions when O2 levels rise and negatively impacts photosynthesis, producing no sugar or ATP.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards that cover key terms related to photosynthesis, including autotrophs and photoautotrophs. Each term is defined to enhance understanding of the processes by which organisms produce their own food. Ideal for students studying biology or environmental science.