AP Biology Photosynthesis

Front

What is the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The Calvin Cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions.

Front

What are the main products of the light reactions of photosynthesis?

Back

The main products of the light reactions are ATP, NADPH, and oxygen.

Front

Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis take place?

Back

The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

Front

What is the role of water in photosynthesis?

Back

Water is split during the light reactions to provide electrons, protons, and oxygen.

Front

What is the significance of the H+ concentration gradient in photosynthesis?

Back

The H+ concentration gradient is used to generate ATP through chemiosmosis.

Front

What is produced during the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The Calvin Cycle produces simple sugars (glucose) from carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the role of NADPH in photosynthesis?

Back

NADPH provides the reducing power (electrons) needed for the Calvin Cycle to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Front

What is photolysis?

Back

Photolysis is the process of splitting water molecules using light energy during the light reactions of photosynthesis.

Front

What is the function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light energy, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, to drive the light reactions.

Front

What is the difference between the light reactions and the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The light reactions convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH), while the Calvin Cycle uses that chemical energy to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide.