Photosynthesis Flashcards
ATP
a molecule that transfers energy from the breakdown of food molecules to cell processes.
ADP
A low energy molecule that can be converted to ATP by the addition of a phosphate group.
function of leaves
harvesting energy from the sun.
What drives photosynthesis
light drives photosynthesis; the most important chemical reaction on Earth.
photosynthesis is a complex series of more than how many reactions?
more than 50 reactions.
how is it done
plants take in energy from the sun; water Is taken through the roots.
how Is it done
plants convert light into chemical energy in the bonds of glucose and produce O2 as a waste product.
glucose formula
C6 ll12 O6
how can photosynthesis be summarized
6co2+6h2o= c6h12o6+6o2
Mesophyll
the tissue in the interior of the leaf where chloroplasts are concentrated.
Stomata
microscopic pores in the surface of the leaf(co2 enters, o2 exits).
thylakoids
sac-like photosynthetic membranes; think of life saver candy.
grana
stacks of thylakoids; think of a big pack of life savers.
stroma
fluid filled space outside the thylakoids.
chlorophyll
the pigment that gives chloroplasts the green color.
light reaction
absorption of light by plant pigments.
why is chlorophyll green?
because red and blue light is absorbed and green light is reflected therefore it being green.
what is a light reaction?
conversion of energy carried by light into chemical energy. Completely dependent on light.
Calvin Cycle
use of chemical energy captured in the light reactions to “fix” carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds; and doesn’t require light energy.
What’s the goal of light reactions
to have enough energy to drive the calvin cycle.
what does light energy do
light energy splits stored water molecules into hydrogen, oxygen, and electrons.
what two molecules are used in the calvin Cycle
ATP and NADPH are used in the Calvin cycle; NADPH carry’s electrons like a taxi.
What are the reactants in the Calvin Cycle
co2, ATP, and NADPH
what are the products of the Calvin Cycle
G3P