Flashcards Photosynthesis Concepts

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Photosynthesis

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The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (food) and oxygen. Chemical equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

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Chloroplast

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The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll and internal structures like thylakoids and stroma.

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Chlorophyll

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The green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy (mainly blue and red wavelengths) for photosynthesis, giving plants their green color.

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Stomata (singular: stoma)

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Small pores on the underside of leaves that allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen/water vapor to exit, regulated by guard cells.

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Light-Dependent Reactions

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The first stage of photosynthesis occurring in thylakoid membranes; light energy splits water, produces ATP and NADPH, and releases oxygen.

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Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)

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The second stage of photosynthesis in the stroma; uses ATP, NADPH, and CO₂ to produce glucose (also called dark reactions).

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Glucose

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A simple sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆) produced as the primary energy-rich product of photosynthesis, used by plants for growth or stored as starch.

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Autotroph

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An organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances (e.g., plants and algae via photosynthesis); also called a producer.