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
ATP and NADPH are generated in what reaction
The Light Reaction.
Importance of the Calvin Cycle
removes 200 billion ton of co2 from the air every year.
what protein is the most abundant protein on Earth
Rubisco
Where do light reactions occur
in the thylakoid membranes
light reactions do…..
convert light energy to the chemical energy of ATP and NADPH. Splits H20 and releases O2 as a waste product.
Where does the Calvin Cycle take place?
the stroma
What does the Calvin Cycle do?
uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into G3P.
some plants have what kind of limitations?
in hot, dry climates, opening stomata to allow CO2 to enter causes water to diffuse out of the cells.
C4 plants
corn and sugarcane
CAM plants
cactus, jade plants(succulent plants)
After Photosynthesis is done the sugar produced……
supplies the plant with chemical energy; used to make all the major macromolecules(lipids, proteins), is consumed as fuel for cellular respiration, used to make cellulose for cell walls, is stored as a starch.
