Photosynthesis/Cell Respiration Flashcards
Autotroph
an organism that is able to form nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide
Heterotroph
an organism deriving its nutritional requirements from complex organic substances
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms use oxygen to break down food molecules to get chemical energy for cell functions. Cellular respiration takes place in the cells of animals, plants, and fungi, and also in algae and other protists.
Pigment
the natural coloring matter of animal or plant tissue
Chlorophyll
a green pigment, present in all green plants and in cyanobacteria, responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis. Its molecule contains a magnesium atom held in a porphyrin ring
Thylakoid membrane
As a brief reminder, thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments inside of the chloroplasts. Thylakoids are the epicenter for photosynthetic light-reactions. They contain the chlorophyll for the plant, which is the light-collecting pigment.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. ATP captures chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes. Adenosine triphosphate.
Aerobic respiration
Living organisms use energy released by respiration for their life processes. There are two types of respiration – aerobic (which needs oxygen) and anaerobic (which doesn’t need oxygen).
Anaerobic respiration
In anaerobic respiration, glucose breaks down without oxygen. The chemical reaction transfers energy from glucose to the cell. Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid, rather than carbon dioxide and water.
Glycolysis
the breakdown of glucose by enzymes, releasing energy and pyruvic acid
Fermentation
the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat
