Photosynthesis and Related Concepts

Front

Chemical Bond

Back

Any of several forces, especially the ionic bond, covalent bond, and metallic bond, by which atoms or ions are bound in a molecule or crystal.

Front

Chemical Energy

Back

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds (atoms and molecules). It is released in a chemical reaction, often producing heat as a by-product.

Front

Chlorophyll

Back

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.

Front

Chloroplast

Back

An organelle that contains chlorophyll and is where photosynthesis takes place.

Front

Photosynthesis

Back

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.

Front

Light reaction

Back

First reaction of photosynthesis. Energy from sunlight is needed to power this reaction.

Front

Calvin Cycle

Back

The second reaction of photosynthesis. Uses energy from ATP and NADPH to reassemble molecules of CO2 into glucose.

Front

Stomata

Back

Small holes on the undersides of leaves that allow gases to exchange.

Front

Grana

Back

Stacks of thylakoids, where the light reaction occurs.

Front

Stroma

Back

Fluid of the chloroplast, where the Calvin cycle takes place.