Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is Photosynthesis?
The conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
What is the primary function of life, biologically speaking?
To organize energy into useable forms for work.
What is the primary energy source?
The sun
What are Autotrophs?
Organisms that possess the ability to turn sunlight energy into useable forms. They depend on the sun.
What are Heterotrophs?
Organisms that eat other plants or animals for energy and nutrients. They depend on autotrophic organisms.
What is the Chloroplast?
Membrane bound organelle that contains photosynthetic pigment. (where photosynthesis takes place)
What are some different parts of the Chloroplast? Describe them.
Stroma: dense fluid inside the chloroplast.
Thylakoids: stacked discs that produce stroma
Chlorophyll: green pigment that resides in the thylakoid membrane.
What’s the formula for photosynthesis?
6CO2+6H2O → C6H12O6+6O2.
(light)
What are photons?
Discrete particles that contain energy. They raise electrons to excited states. (the shorter the wavelength the higher the energy)
What is the stomata?
Small openings in plants & leaves, when there open water can leak out.
What are the 2 stages to photosynthesis?
Light Reactions & Calvin Cycle
Describe the Light Reactions process. Where does it happen, what does it need, what does it produce.
- Happens: in the Thylakoid
- Needs: water & light
- Makes: ATP, NADPH, O2
Describe the Calvin Cycle process. Where does it happen, what does it need, what does it produce.
- Happens: in the Stroma
- Needs: CO2, ATP (9), NADH (6)
- Makes: Sugar, ADP, NADP+
How does the Calvin Cycle work in C3 plants?
- Fix (sequester) carbon when stomata are open
- Less sugar production in hot weather
- Can use O2 to fix carbon photorespiration
How does the Calvin Cycle work in C4 plants?
- Fixing carbon at night
- Stomata closed
- Making sugar when it is hot
