Topic 5 - Energy Transfer Flashcards
Photosynthesis
Chemical reaction converting CO2 to carbohydrates.
Chloroplasts
Cell organelles where photosynthesis occurs.
Light dependent stage
First stage of photosynthesis using sunlight.
Light independent stage
Second stage utilizing ATP and NADPH.
Chlorophyll
Pigment absorbing sunlight in plants.
Photoionisation
Process where chlorophyll loses electrons.
Electron carriers
Molecules transferring high-energy electrons.
H+ ion gradient
Concentration difference of protons across membranes.
ATP synthase
Enzyme producing ATP from ADP and Pi.
NADP
Molecule accepting electrons in photosynthesis.
Reduced NADP
Formed when NADP gains electrons.
Photolysis
Splitting of water molecules in photosynthesis.
Calvin cycle
Series of reactions using ATP and NADPH.
Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP)
5-carbon molecule reacting with CO2.
Glycerate-3-phosphate (GP)
3-carbon product formed from RuBP.
Rubisco
Enzyme catalyzing RuBP and CO2 reaction.
Triose phosphate (TP)
Product of GP reduction, can form carbohydrates.
Thylakoids
Membrane structures where light dependent reactions occur.
Granum
Stack of thylakoids for efficient light absorption.
Stroma
Fluid containing enzymes for light independent reactions.
Starch grains
Storage for products of photosynthesis.
Circular DNA
DNA in chloroplasts for protein synthesis.
Limiting factors
Conditions affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
DCPIP
Redox dye measuring chloroplast activity.
Oxygen production rate
Volume of oxygen produced over time.
Optimal conditions
Best temperatures, light, and CO2 levels for photosynthesis.
Kinetic energy
Energy of motion affecting enzyme activity.
Light Intensity
Affects ATP and NADPH production in photosynthesis.
Limiting Factor
A condition that restricts photosynthesis rate.
Temperature
Excess can denature enzymes, limiting photosynthesis.
Carbon Dioxide Concentration
Increased levels can enhance photosynthesis rates.
Commercial Greenhouses
Controlled environments to optimize plant growth.
Photosynthesis Rate
Must exceed respiration for plant growth.
Enrichment of CO2
Increasing CO2 to 0.1% in greenhouses.
Optimum Temperature
Ideal temperature for maximum enzyme activity.
Chromatography
Technique for separating molecules by solubility.
Rf Value
Ratio of distance moved by sample to solvent.
Glycolysis
First stage of respiration, splits glucose into pyruvate.
ATP Production
Net gain of 2 ATP during glycolysis.
Pyruvate
3-carbon molecule formed from glucose in glycolysis.
Phosphorylation
Adding phosphate groups to glucose to activate it.
NADH
Reduced form of NAD, carries high-energy electrons.
Link Reaction
Converts pyruvate to acetyl CoA in mitochondria.
Acetate
2-carbon molecule formed from pyruvate in link reaction.
Coenzyme A
Combines with acetate to form acetyl CoA.
Solvent Front
The leading edge of the solvent in chromatography.
Two-Dimensional Chromatography
Technique to improve separation by using two solvents.
Photosynthesis Limitation
Only increasing limiting factors boosts photosynthesis rates.
Respiration
Oxidation of glucose to produce energy (ATP).
ATP
Energy currency of the cell, produced during respiration.
Glucose Oxidation
Chemical reaction releasing energy stored in glucose.
Organic Solvent
Used in chromatography to separate pigments.
Solubility
Ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.
Energy Release
Occurs when glucose bonds are broken during respiration.
Krebs Cycle
Series of redox reactions producing CO2 and NADH.
Acetyl Coenzyme A
Molecule entering Krebs cycle, derived from pyruvate.
NAD+
Electron carrier reduced to NADH in reactions.
FAD+
Coenzyme reduced to FADH in Krebs cycle.
Substrate Level Phosphorylation
ATP production directly from energy-releasing reactions.
Electron Transport Chain
Series of carriers transferring electrons to produce ATP.
High Energy Electrons
Electrons from NADH used in energy production.
Electron Carriers
Molecules that transfer electrons in the transport chain.
Redox Reaction
Simultaneous oxidation and reduction of molecules.
Final Electron Acceptor
Oxygen, reduced to water in the chain.
ATP Synthase
Enzyme producing ATP from ADP and phosphate.
Hydrogen Ion Gradient
Concentration difference used to drive ATP synthesis.
Glycolysis
First step of respiration occurring in cytoplasm.
Pyruvate
Product of glycolysis entering mitochondrion for further processing.
Link Reaction
Conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA in mitochondria.
Anaerobic Respiration
Energy production without oxygen, resulting in lactate or ethanol.
Lactate
Product of anaerobic respiration in animal cells.
Ethanol
Product of anaerobic respiration in yeast and plants.
Biomass
Mass of biological molecules in tissue, measured in g/m2/year.
Calorimetry
Method to measure energy content by burning tissue.
Energy Flow
Transfer of energy through an ecosystem.
Lipids in Respiration
Converted to fatty acids and glycerol for energy.
Amino Acids in Respiration
Deaminated and converted to Krebs cycle intermediates.
Incomplete Oxidation
Less energy released in anaerobic respiration compared to aerobic.
Toxic Waste Products
Lactate and ethanol produced during anaerobic respiration.
Energy Content
Depends on biological molecule composition in biomass.
Mitochondrion
Organelle where Krebs cycle and electron transport occur.
Gross Primary Production (GPP)
Chemical energy converted into glucose by photosynthesis.
Net Primary Production (NPP)
Energy stored in biomass after respiratory losses.
Photosynthesis
Process converting sunlight into chemical energy.
Producers
Organisms capable of photosynthesis in ecosystems.
Consumers
Organisms that consume producers or other consumers.
Food Chain
Linear representation of energy flow in ecosystems.
Trophic Levels
Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem based on energy flow.
Energy Loss
Energy not transferred to the next trophic level.
Respiratory Losses
Energy lost during respiration by organisms.
Saprobiotic Digestion
Decomposition process by microbes breaking down organic matter.
Ammonification
Conversion of amino acids to ammonium ions.
Nitrification
Conversion of ammonium ions to nitrates by bacteria.
Biomass
Total mass of living organisms in a given area.
Energy Efficiency
Ratio of energy transferred between trophic levels.
Energy Flow
Movement of energy through an ecosystem’s food web.
Limiting Factors
Conditions affecting photosynthesis efficiency in plants.
Chemical Energy
Energy stored in chemical bonds of molecules.
Decomposers
Organisms that break down dead organic material.
Herbivores
Primary consumers that eat producers.
Carnivores
Secondary consumers that eat herbivores.
Selective Breeding
Choosing specific organisms for reproduction to enhance traits.
Growth Hormones
Substances used to increase growth rates in animals.
Pesticides
Chemicals used to kill pests affecting crops.
Digestibility
Ease with which organisms can break down food.
Energy Transfer
Process of energy moving from one trophic level to another.
Faeces
Waste material excreted by organisms, containing lost energy.
Temperature Regulation
Maintaining optimal conditions to reduce energy loss.
Ammonium ions
Nitrogen compound converted to nitrite ions by bacteria.
Nitrite ions
Intermediate nitrogen compound oxidized to nitrate ions.
Nitrate ions
Final nitrogen compound absorbed by plant roots.
Active transport
Energy-dependent process for nutrient uptake in plants.
Denitrification
Conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas by bacteria.
Anaerobic conditions
Oxygen-deprived environment promoting denitrification.
Ploughing
Agricultural practice to aerate soil and prevent anaerobiosis.
Nitrogen fixation
Process converting nitrogen gas to ammonia by bacteria.
Mutualism
Symbiotic relationship benefiting both organisms involved.
Root nodules
Plant structures housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Phosphorus cycle
Biogeochemical cycle involving phosphorus in ecosystems.
Phosphate ions
Source of phosphorus absorbed by plant roots.
Saprobiotic microbes
Decomposers releasing phosphate ions from organic matter.
Mycorrhizae
Fungi enhancing plant nutrient absorption through root association.
Drought tolerance
Ability of plants to withstand dry conditions.
Fertilizers
Substances added to soil to enhance nutrient levels.
Natural fertilizers
Organic substances like manure improving soil health.
Artificial fertilizers
Inorganic compounds providing specific nutrient ratios.
Leaching
Loss of nutrients from soil due to rainfall.
Eutrophication
Excessive nutrient enrichment causing algal blooms.
Algal blooms
Rapid growth of algae due to nutrient overload.
Oxygen depletion
Reduction of dissolved oxygen harming aquatic life.
Sewage impact
Organic waste causing bacterial growth and oxygen loss.
Humus content
Organic matter improving soil structure and moisture retention.
Nutrient ratios
Proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in fertilizers.
Water potential
Measure of water availability affecting plant growth.
Sedimentary rocks
Source of phosphorus released into soil.
Decay process
Breakdown of organic matter releasing nutrients back to soil.
Excretion
Release of excess nutrients from animals into the environment.
