Unit 3: Cell Energetics improved Flashcards
Term: Autotroph
Definition: An organism that produces its own food through processes like photosynthesis.
Term: Heterotroph
Definition: An organism that obtains its energy by consuming other organisms.
Term: ATP
Definition: Adenosine triphosphate; a molecule that carries energy within cells.
Term: ADP
Definition: Adenosine diphosphate; a molecule formed when ATP releases energy.
Term: Enzyme (e.g., ATP Synthase)
Definition: A biological catalyst that facilitates and speeds up specific chemical reactions.
Term: Carbon Cycle
Definition: The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.
Term: Combustion
Definition: The process of burning organic matter, releasing heat and producing carbon dioxide and water.
Term: Respiration
Definition: The process by which cells break down organic compounds to release energy.
Term: Mitochondria
Definition: Organelles where cellular respiration occurs, producing ATP.
Term: Energy Transformation
Definition: The conversion of one form of energy into another.
Term: Anaerobic
Definition: Processes that occur without the presence of oxygen.
Term: Aerobic
Definition: Processes that require the presence of oxygen.
Term: Fermentation
Definition: An anaerobic process that converts sugars into alcohol or lactic acid, producing a small amount of ATP.
Term: Glycolysis
Definition: The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP during cellular respiration.
Term: Krebs Cycle
Definition: A series of chemical reactions that generate energy during cellular respiration.
Term: Electron Transport Chain
Definition: A series of protein complexes in the mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons, generating ATP.
Term: Photosynthesis
Definition: The process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Term: Chloroplast
Definition: Organelles where photosynthesis takes place in plant cells.
Term: Thylakoid
Definition: Disk-shaped structures inside chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.
Term: Stroma
Definition: The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in a chloroplast, where the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis takes place.
Term: Chlorophyll
Definition: The green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
Term: Light Independent
Definition: Phase of photosynthesis (Calvin cycle) that does not require light.
Term: Light Dependent
Definition: Phase of photosynthesis that requires light to produce ATP and NADPH.
