Key Questions Flashcards
Why is water so important in photosynthesis
water provides electrons to replace those removed from chlorophyll in photosystem II. Also, water produces oxygen as well as reduces NADP to NADPH (required in the Calvin cycle) by liberating H+ ions.
Distinguish between light reactions and the Calvin cycle
Light reactions- convert energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of NADPH and ATP. These reactions must take place in the light and in chloroplasts of plants
Calvin cycle- uses the energy from short-lived electronically excited electrons to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds that can be used by the organism
Compare and contrast aerobic respiration and anaerobic fermentation
Aerobic respiration- A form of cellular respiration that requires oxygen in order to generate energy. The process of generating energy by the full oxidation of nutrients through Krebs cycle where oxygen is the final electron acceptor
Anaerobic fermentation- Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases and/or alcohol. It occurs in yeast and bacteria, but also in oxygen-starved muscle cells, as in the case of lactic acid fermentation
Carbon cycle
the circulation of carbon atoms in the biosphere as a result of photosynthetic conversion of carbon dioxide into complex organic compounds by plants, which are consumed by other organisms: the carbon returns to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide as a result of respiration, (atmospheric, biotic).
Nitrogen cycle
the continuous sequence of events by which atmospheric nitrogen and nitrogenous compounds in the soil are converted, as by nitrification and nitrogen fixation, into substances that can be utilized by green plants, the substances returning to the air and soil as a result of the decay of the plants and denitrification, (terrestrial, biotic).
Phosphorus cycle
describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. (Terrestrial, abiotic). The atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids.
Electron transport chain of cellular respiration
NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers from the other steps of cellular respiration, makes ATP from the electron carriers, ATPase is the enzyme, H+ ion is pumped through proton pumps and forms water at the end.
Explain the characteristic shape of an energy pyramid
Top: tertiary consumers
Middle: secondary consumers
Middle: primary consumers
Bottom: primary producers
What are the 5 characteristic properties of water?
It's attraction to polar molecules High specific heat High heat of vaporization The lower density of ice High polarity
What are the two monomers of carbohydrates and proteins?
Carbohydrates- monosaccharides
Proteins- amino acids
What does the cell theory state?
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
The cell is the most basic unit of life.
All cells arise from pre-existing, living cells.
What is the ultimate source of energy for all life on earth?
The sun
What is the smallest unit of life?
Cell
What three elements are most commonly found in living things?
Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen
Which biological molecule is composed of 1:2:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen?
Carbohydrates (glucose)
