Ch 9 - Photosynthesis Flashcards
Define photosynthesis
The process by which light energy converts inorganic compounds to organic substances with the subsequent release of oxygen
What are the two types of organisms that exist in our world?
- Autotrophs
2. Heterotrophs
What is an autotroph?
(Self-feeding) synthesize organic molecules from inorganic carbon dioxide.
Ex plants, some protistans or bacteria
What are heterotrophs?
Organisms that rely directly or indirectly on autotrophs for their nutritional carbon and metabolic energy.
Ex animals, fungi, many protistans and most bacteria
What is cellular respiration?
Releasing the energy captures from the sun for metabolic needs
What do light-dependent reactions do ?
They capture light energy and store it temporarily in the bonds of ATP and NADPH, which in turn provides the energy needed for the light-independent reactions (Calvin-Benson cycle)
What does light-independent reactions do?
This is used to build carbohydrates
What are the four pigments used in photosynthesis?
- Carotenes
- Chlorophyll a
- Chlorophyll b
- Xanthophylls
What color are carotenes?
Orange-yellow
What color are chlorophyll a?
Blue-green
What color are chlorophyll b?
Yellow-green
What color are xanthophylls?
Orange-yellow
What is chromatography?
This separates complex mixtures bars in mixture components’ solubility in different kinds of solvents
What organelle does photosynthesis take place in the cell?
Chloroplast
How many membranes does chloroplasts have?
Two
