5.2.1 Flashcards
What is an autotrophic organism?
An organism that is able to photosynthesise, such as plants and algae
What are heterotrophic organisms?
Organisms that obtain complex organic molecules by eating other organisms
What is the overall equation of photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Where does photosynthesis take place?
The chloroplasts
How are chloroplasts adapted to their function?
They have an inner membrane with transport proteins, many grana consisting of many thylakoids, photosynthetic pigments, proteins embedded in the grana, fluid-filled stroma, chloroplast DNA an ribosomes
How does the inner membrane with transport proteins aid the chloroplast?
It allows for transport of molecules into and out of the chloroplast. It controls what enters and exits
How do the grana aid the chloroplast?
This is where the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis takes place. They also contain lipids which help support the electron transport chain. They also contain ATP synthase
How do the photosynthetic pigments aid the chloroplast?
They absorb different wavelengths of light, allowing for more energy to be taken in for photosynthesis
How do the proteins embedded in the grana aid the chloroplast?
They catalyse reactions. They also hold pigments in place. Some of the proteins are also used as electron carriers
How does the stroma aid the chloroplast?
It is a site of chemical reactions, containing the enzymes for the light independent stage
How do the chloroplast DNA and RNA aid the chloroplast?
They allow for rapid synthesis of proteins required for photosynthesis
What is the light harvesting system?
It is composed of numerous secondary pigments and proteins
What is the function of the light harvesting system?
To absorb, or harvest, light energy of different wavelengths and transfer this quickly to the reaction centre.
What pigment is located in the reaction centre?
Chlorophyll a
What happens in reaction centre?
The reactions involved in photosynthesis take place