Photosynthesis Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to photosynthesis, including processes, structures, and factors affecting photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, some bacteria, and protistans convert sunlight energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis; essential for converting solar energy into chemical energy.

Accessory Pigments

Pigments other than chlorophyll a that help absorb light energy, including chlorophyll b, xanthophylls, and carotenoids.

Thylakoid

The structural unit of photosynthesis found in chloroplasts, where light-dependent reactions occur.

Stomata

Small openings on the leaf surface that allow gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen to enter and exit.

Light-dependent Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis that requires light to produce ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membranes.

Photoionization

The process in which chlorophyll absorbs light, leading to the release of electrons.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Cyclic Phosphorylation

A process that produces additional ATP in photosynthesis without producing NADPH by cycling electrons back to Photosystem I.

Limiting Factors

Conditions that limit the rate of photosynthesis, including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.