AP Bio- Photosynthesis Flashcard

Front

What are autotrophs?

Back

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. They are primary producers in ecosystems.

Front

What are heterotrophs?

Back

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume other organisms (plants or animals) for energy.

Front

What is the least effective color of light for photosynthesis?

Back

Green light is the least effective color for driving photosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths, and is essential for photosynthesis.

Front

What is produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

Back

Oxygen gas, ATP, and NADPH are produced during the light-dependent reactions.

Front

What is the function of the thylakoid membrane?

Back

The thylakoid membrane is where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur, including the electron transport chain.

Front

What is ATP and why is it important in photosynthesis?

Back

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various cellular processes, including the Calvin cycle in 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 fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Front

What is the significance of water splitting in photosynthesis?

Back

Water splitting during photosynthesis provides electrons for the electron transport chain and releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Front

What is the primary function of NADPH in photosynthesis?

Back

NADPH serves as a reducing agent, providing the necessary electrons and hydrogen ions for the reduction of carbon dioxide to glucose in the Calvin cycle.