Photosynthesis and Related Concepts

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Calvin cycle

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A series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts of photosynthetic organisms. It utilizes energy from ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into molecules of glucose.

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Carbon fixation

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The process of converting inorganic CO2 into organic compounds during photosynthesis.

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Chemical potential energy

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Energy stored in the chemical bonds of molecules, which can be released during chemical reactions.

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Chlorophyll

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A green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria; essential for photosynthesis as their role is to absorb light (during the light reaction).

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Chloroplast

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An organelle found in plant cells and eukaryotic algae where photosynthesis occurs.

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Dark reaction

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The set of reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light, also known as the Calvin cycle.

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G3P

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A three-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin cycle after carbon fixation; accepts energy from ATP and NADPH, and two of these molecules are used to generate one glucose.

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Glucose

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A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a component of many carbohydrates.

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Granum / Grana

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Stacks of thylakoids within the chloroplasts, where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur. Granum is singular and grana is plural.

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Light reaction

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The phase of photosynthesis where water is taken in and light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH; occurs in the thylakoid membrane.