Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Where does photosynthesis take place in a plant cell?
In the chloroplasts
What are the two stages of photosynthesis?
Light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
To absorb light energy for the process
What is the source of oxygen produced during photosynthesis?
Water
What is the purpose of the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis?
To produce ATP and NADPH
What is the purpose of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?
To produce glucose using ATP and NADPH
What is the role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?
To provide carbon for glucose production
What is the role of water in photosynthesis?
To provide electrons for the light-dependent reactions
What is the function of ATP in photosynthesis?
To provide energy for cellular processes
What is the function of NADPH in photosynthesis?
To provide reducing power for glucose production
What is the significance of photosynthesis in the ecosystem?
It is the primary source of energy for most living organisms
What are the factors that can affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature
What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
They are complementary processes where the products of one are the reactants of the other
What is the role of stomata in photosynthesis?
To allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out)
What is photolysis in photosynthesis?
The splitting of water molecules to release oxygen, electrons, and protons
What is the role of the electron transport chain in the light-dependent reactions?
To generate a proton gradient for ATP production
What is the role of rubisco in the Calvin cycle?
To catalyze the fixation of carbon dioxide
What is the significance of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?
It is responsible for the production of glucose
What is the role of NADP+ in photosynthesis?
To accept electrons and hydrogen ions to form NADPH
What is the role of the thylakoid membrane in photosynthesis?
To house the components of the light-dependent reactions
What is the fate of the glucose produced in photosynthesis?
It can be used for energy production, stored as starch, or converted into other molecules
What are the end products of the light-dependent reactions?
ATP, NADPH, and oxygen
What are the end products of the Calvin cycle?
Glucose and ADP
What is the role of light in photosynthesis?
To provide energy for the process
What is the role of the antenna complex in photosynthesis?
To absorb and transfer light energy to the reaction center
What is the role of the reaction center in photosynthesis?
To initiate the flow of electrons in the light-dependent reactions
What is the significance of photosynthesis for humans?
It provides oxygen for respiration and food for sustenance
What is the role of ATP synthase in photosynthesis?
To produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using the proton gradient
What is the importance of the Z scheme in photosynthesis?
It describes the flow of electrons in the light-dependent reactions
Why is photosynthesis considered an endothermic reaction?
Because it requires an input of energy in the form of light
What is the role of the enzyme RuBisCO in photosynthesis?
To catalyze the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate in the Calvin cycle
What is the role of the stroma in photosynthesis?
To house the enzymes for the Calvin cycle
What is the role of the granum in photosynthesis?
To house the thylakoid membranes where the light-dependent reactions occur
What is the role of the cytochrome complex in photosynthesis?
To transfer electrons between photosystems in the light-dependent reactions
