Photosynthesis Flashcards
photosynthesis
process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use the sun’s energy to produce its own food (energy)
autotrophs
self-feeder - use inorganic molecules to produce organic compounds
heterotrophs
consume organic compounds
What is the photosynthesis equation
6 H2O + 6 CO2 —–> C6H12O6 + 6O2
6 molecules of water plus 6 molecules of carbon dioxide equals glucose plus 6 molecules of oxygen
Where does photosynthesis occur
in the chloroplasts
pigments
capture light energy at various wavelengths
what are the type of pigments?
Chlorophyll A and Accessory pigments (chlorophyll b and carotenoids)
Chlorophyll a
most abundant with a green pigment - it reflects green light and absorbs red and blue light
Accessory pigments
allows plant to absorb more energy than with chlorophyll a alone
Chlorophyll B
reflects green light and absorbs red and blue
carotenoids
appear red, orange, and yellow (absorb longer wavelengths)
stomata (stoma)
small openings in the epidermis of the stem or leaf that allow for an exchange of CO2 and O2
mesophyll
internal cells of the leaf where the chloroplasts are located
Stroma
(NOT STOMA) gelatinous fluid that contains DNA, ribosomes, enzymes, and Grana and are composed of stacks of thylakoids which are studded with photosynthetic pigments (enclosed: makes the thylakoid space)
Photosystem
Very organized system that consists of chlorophyll a and accessory pigments