Energy for biological processes Flashcards
Why do organisms need energy?
For metabolic processes such as active transport, anabolic reactions and movement of the cilia.
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O = C6H12O6 + 6O2
What is respiration?
The process by which organic molecules are broken down into smaller molecules. The energy released is used to synthesise ATP
What does autotrophic mean?
Organisms that can photosynthesise
What does heterotrophic mean?
Organisms that obtain complex organic molecules by eating other organisms
Explain the structure of chloroplasts
A double membrane envelope filled with a fluid called stroma
Flattened sacs, made of membranes, called thylakoids form stacks called granum which are joined together by lamella
Contains own DNA and ribosomes
Where is chlorophyll present in the chloroplast?
Chlorophyll is embedded in the thylakoid membrane
What is the role of the stroma?
A fluid that is the site of many chemical reactions resulting in the formation of complex organic molecules
Define light intensity
Measure of the number of photons of light falling on a given area in each second
What is the role of pigments?
Absorbing specific wavelengths of light and reflecting others
What are the two main groups of pigments?
Primary
Accessory
Give an example of a primary group pigment
Chlorophyll A
Give 3 examples of accessory group pigments
Chlorophyll B
Xanthophyll
Carotenoids
What light does chlorophyll absorb and reflect?
Absorb- red and blue
Reflect- green
What is the role of the antennae system?
Absorb light energy of different wavelengths and transfer this energy quickly and efficiently to the reaction centre
What is the alternative name for the antennae system?
Light Harvesting System
What is a photosystem?
Antennae Complex + Reaction System
What does the antennae complex consist of?
Number of accessory pigments which absorb light energy of different wavelengths
What is the reaction centre made up of?
A primary pigment such as chlorophyll a
How do you calculate retention factor?
Distance travelled by component/ distance travelled by solvent
What are the two stages of photosynthesis?
Light dependent stage
Light independent stage
What occurs during the LD stage of photosynthesis?
Energy from sunlight is absorbed and used to form ATP
Hydrogen from water is used to reduce coenzyme NADP to NADPH
What occurs during the LI stage of photosynthesis?
Hydrogen from NADPH and carbon dioxide is used to build organic molecules
ATP supplies energy required
What are 3 adaptations of chloroplasts and why are they important?
Grana are orientated at right angles to light ( absorb maximum levels of light)
Own DNA and ribosomes ( own proteins can be made for photosynthesis)
Arranged in stacks ( increased surface area to absorb light)
What is chemiosmosis?
The diffusion of protons from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a partially permeable membrane. The process of protons diffusing down electrochemical gradient releases energy which aids binding of ADP to Pi to form ATP
What does chemiosmosis depend on?
The creation of a proton gradient