B2.3 Energy Flow Key words Flashcards
chlorophyll
Protein in a plant cell that captures energy from sunlight. Found in chloroplasts.
chloroplast
Structure found inside plant cell cytoplasm where photosynthesis happens.
fertiliser
Substance added to soil that contains nutrients for plant growth. Common fertilisers contain nitrate, phosphate and potassium mineral salts.
eutrophication
Problem caused by overuse of fertilisers.
carbon cycle
The use and recycling of carbon through photosynthesis, respiration and other processes.
cellulose cell wall
Rigid outer wall of a plant cell. It gives the cell strength.
cytoplasm
Jelly-like part of plant and animal cells.
decomposer
Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, that digest and break down the bodies of dead plants and animals.
animal cell
Cell containing a cytoplasm, nucleus and cell membrane. Found in animals.
denitrifying bacteria
Bacteria in the ground that break down nitrates and convert them into nitrogen gas. Usually found in waterlogged soil.
biosphere
A self-contained structure that holds all the plants and animals needed for a sustainable environment e.g. the Earth.
food production
Farming or fishing to produce food for humans.
active transport
Movement of molecules into the cell using energy from respiration. It allows the cell to build up a high concentration of the molecules inside the cell. For example, the way that plant root cells take in mineral salts from the soil.
deforestation
When large areas of trees are cut down for wood or to create space for humans. A typical example is the cutting down of rainforests in South America.
combustion
Burning of things like fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). It adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
