5A - The Process of C3 Photosynthesis Flashcards
photoautotroph
An organism capable of undertaking photosynthesis.
photosynthesis
The process of capturing light energy to power the production of glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
6 CO2 + 12 H2O ——> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
mesophyll cell
A plant cell type found in leaves that contain large amounts of chloroplasts.
chloroplast
A membrane-bound organelle only found in plant and photoautotroph cells that is the site of photosynthesis.
chlorophyll
A chemical found in the thylakoids of chloroplasts. It is responsible for absorbing light energy in photosynthesis.
stoma (pl. stomata)
A small pore on the leaf’s surface that opens and closes to regulate gas exchange.
xylem
Vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.
light-dependent stage
The first stage of photosynthesis, where light energy splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen inside the thylakoid membranes. AKA light-dependent reactions.
12 H20 + 12NADP+ + 18ADP+Pi ——> 6O2 + 12NADPH + 18ATP
thylakoid
A flattened sac-like structure housed in side the chloroplast. Each thylakoid is made up of a chlorophyll-containing membrane enclosing a lumen. Thylakoids are the location of the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis.
granum (pl. grana)
A stack of thylakoids.
NADPH
A coenzyme that is a proton (H+) and electron carrier in photosynthesis.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate, a high energy molecule that, when broken down, provides energy for cellular processes.
photolysis
The process in which molecules are broken down by the action of light.
light-independent stage
The second stage of photosynthesis where carbon dioxide is used to form glucose in the stroma of a chloroplast. AKA the Calvin cycle, the dark stage, or the light-independent reactions.
6 CO2 + 12 NADPH + 18 ATP ——> C6H12O6 + 6 H20 + 12 NAPD+ + 18 ADP+Pi
stroma
The fluid substrate that makes up the interior of chloroplasts. It is the site of the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.
