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Biology 120 > Photosynthesis > Flashcards

Photosynthesis Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the definition of photosynthesis?

A

Conversion of CO2 and water into sugars using light energy and releasing O2 as a byproduct.

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2
Q

Where does photosynthesis primarily take place?

A

In the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells.

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3
Q

What structures in the chloroplasts are utilized during photosynthesis?

A

Thylakoid membranes and stroma.

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4
Q

What are the two key stages of photosynthesis?

A
  • Light-Dependent Reactions
  • Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)
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5
Q

Where do light-dependent reactions occur?

A

In the thylakoid membranes.

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6
Q

What is produced during light-dependent reactions?

A
  • ATP
  • NADPH
  • O2 (from water oxidation)
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7
Q

What process generates ATP in light-dependent reactions?

A

Chemiosmosis (photophosphorylation).

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8
Q

Where does the Calvin Cycle occur?

A

In the stroma.

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9
Q

What is the main function of the Calvin Cycle?

A

Fixes CO2 into sugars using ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.

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10
Q

What is the first step of the Calvin Cycle?

A

Fixation: CO2 is attached to a 5-carbon molecule (RuBP) by Rubisco.

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11
Q

What are the two 3-carbon molecules produced during the fixation step?

A

G3P.

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12
Q

What is the role of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin Cycle?

A

Convert 3-carbon molecules into G3P.

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13
Q

What happens during the regeneration step of the Calvin Cycle?

A

Some G3P molecules regenerate RuBP for the cycle to continue.

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14
Q

What is chlorophyll?

A

A pigment that absorbs light in the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green.

Chlorophyll’s appearance is due to the transmission and reflection of green wavelengths.

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15
Q

What happens to green wavelengths in chlorophyll?

A

They pass through or are reflected.

This characteristic is why chlorophyll appears green.

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16
Q

What is the role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?

A

They combine with chlorophyll to broaden light absorption.

17
Q

What is Photosystem II (PSII) responsible for?

A

Oxidizing water to supply electrons and generating O2.

18
Q

What occurs in Photosystem I (PSI)?

A

Receives electrons from the electron transport chain and boosts them to high energy with light to reduce NADP+ to NADPH.

19
Q

What is the function of antenna complexes in photosynthesis?

A

Funnel light energy toward reaction centers.

20
Q

What does the electron transport chain establish?

A

A proton gradient (proton motive force/electrochemical gradient) across the thylakoid membrane.

21
Q

How is ATP created during photosynthesis?

A

Protons flow through ATP synthase, creating ATP through chemiosmosis.

22
Q

What is the outcome of cyclic electron transport?

A

Generates ATP but not NADPH.

23
Q

In cyclic electron transport, where do electrons end up?

A

They are recycled to earlier in the electron transport chain.

24
Q

What does cyclic electron transport help balance?

A

The energy requirements of the Calvin Cycle.

25
Q

What are the inputs of photosynthesis?

A

Light, H2O, CO2

These inputs are essential for the process of photosynthesis to occur.

26
Q

What are the outputs of photosynthesis?

A

O2, ATP, NADPH, sugars (e.g., glucose)

These outputs are the products generated from the photosynthesis process.

27
Q

What is photorespiration?

A

Occurs when Rubisco fixes O2 instead of CO2, leading to energy loss

Photorespiration can be a significant challenge for plants during photosynthesis.

28
Q

How do plants in dry climates combat photorespiration?

A

By concentrating CO2 around RUBISCO

This allows CO2 to outcompete O2, reducing the occurrence of photorespiration.

29
Q

What is spatial concentration in the context of photosynthesis?

A

Concentrate CO2 in specialized cells in the leaf

This strategy helps to increase the availability of CO2 for photosynthesis.

30
Q

What is temporal concentration in the context of photosynthesis?

A

Concentrate CO2 at night and fix during day

This method allows plants to optimize CO2 usage while minimizing water loss.

Biology 120 (24 decks)

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