Plant Science Exam 3 MSU Flashcards
Carbohydrates
photosynthesis begins with the creation of carbohydrates.
plants are carbohydrate rich organisms
plant carbohydrates act as a structure and energy storage for the plant.
General Formula is C(H2O)
What are the three structural groups of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides - Single carbohydrate molecules falling into two general categories: aldoses and ketoses
Disaccharides - two carbohydrate molecules linked together.
Polysaccharides - combinations of seven or more molecules linked together.
Lipids
-Compound derivatives of glycerol, a simple 3-carbon molecule
-Important in cell membrane structure and for energy storage.
-hydrophobic - not soluble in water but are soluble in fats
Proteins
-Long chains of linked amino acids that create complex three dimensional molecules.
- support - some proteins are strutural proteins
-metabolism - some protines are enzymes
-Storage - store units for nitrogen
-transport - chennel and carrier proteins in the plasma membrane
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are found in:
-DNA: acts as the location winthin cells where genetic information is stored
RNA - The molecule that aids in transcribing and translating DNA into proteins.
what are the secondary products of plant chemistry
Morphine , Cocaine, Nicotine, and caffine
what are the structures associated with photosynthesis
chloroplasts, thylakoid, stroma, granum
chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are the organelles within plant cells where photosynthesis takes place. They are responsible for capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy, in the form of glucose and other organic molecules.
thylakoid
Thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments within the chloroplasts. They are stacked together in structures known as grana (singular: granum). Thylakoids contain the pigments and proteins necessary for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
stroma
The stroma is the fluid-filled space inside the chloroplast, surrounding the thylakoid membranes. It contains enzymes and other molecules needed for the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis. In the stroma, carbon dioxide is converted into sugars using the energy produced in the thylakoid membrane during the light-dependent reactions.
granum
Grana are stacks of thylakoid membranes found inside chloroplasts. They are the sites where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur. The pigments and protein complexes embedded in the thylakoid membranes capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy, which is used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), essential molecules for the subsequent dark reactions in the stroma.
redox reactions
- A redox reaction is often represented by a chemical equation that shows the transfer of electrons from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent.
- The general form of a redox reaction can be written as:
Reductant (Oxidized species) → Oxidant (Reduced species)
In a redox reaction, the reducing agent is oxidized, and the oxidizing agent is reduced. The number of electrons lost by the reducing agent is equal to the number of electrons gained by the oxidizing agent, ensuring the overall charge is conserved.
reduction
- Reduction is a chemical process in which a substance gains electrons, leading to a decrease in its oxidation state or an increase in its electron density.
- The substance that undergoes reduction is called the oxidizing agent or the oxidant. It accepts electrons from other substances.
oxidation
- Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in its oxidation state or a decrease in its electron density.
- The substance that undergoes oxidation is called the reducing agent or the reductant. It provides electrons to other substances.
What is the Z scheme
The Z scheme is a model used to explain the flow of electrons during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. It is named after its shape, which resembles the letter “Z.” This model describes how electrons move through two photosystems, Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI), during the process of electron transport in the thylakoid membrane.
how is ATP produced during photosynthesis
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced during the process of photosynthesis, which occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and some other photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis is a complex biochemical process that converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in ATP and glucose. The production of ATP during photosynthesis involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
what is a calvin cycle reaction
Occurs in the Stroma of Chloroplasts
Uses CO2 from the atmosphere
Consists of three steps
- CO2 fixation
- CO2 reduction
- Regeneration of RuBP(ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate)
The reaction produces molecules of G3P (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate) that plants use to produce glucose
Calvin Cycle requires a lot of energy- energy that comes from the light reactions production of ATP and NADPH
The Calvin Cycle requires no solar energy to occur
what is ruBP
RuBP stands for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, which is a key molecule in the Calvin cycle, a series of chemical reactions that take place during the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle is responsible for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose and other organic compounds, thereby storing energy in the form of chemical bonds.
Explain the differences in C3 vs C4 vs CAMRespiration?
In summary, the structural differences between C3, C4, and CAM plants are primarily related to the leaf anatomy and the cellular arrangements that optimize carbon fixation, storage, and water use in different environmental conditions. While all three pathways involve cellular respiration for energy production, C4 and CAM plants have evolved to be more water-efficient compared to C3 plants, making them better suited for arid and water-limited environments.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in the cells of eukaryotic organisms. They are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell” because they are primarily responsible for producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process called cellular respiration. Mitochondria have several structural components, including the matrix and cristae.
Matrix vs Cristae
The matrix is the innermost compartment and serves as the site for many metabolic reactions, including ATP production. The cristae are folded inner mitochondrial membranes that increase the surface area for the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis, playing a crucial role in energy generation within the cell. Mitochondria are vital organelles for energy production and are found in various cell types, including muscle cells, where high energy demands exist.
what are the 4 phases of cellular respiration and how much ATP is produced in each phase?
Glycolysis
preparatory reaction
Citric Acid Cycle
Electron Transport Chain
glycolysis
Glycolysis: is the first step of cellular respiration. It begins with the breakdown of one molecule of glucose (a 6-carbon sugar) into two molecules of pyruvate (a 3-carbon compound) through a series of enzymatic reactions.
prepatory reaction
preparatory reaction: each pyruvate molecule produced in glycolysis is transported from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria.