Term | Definition |
Light Dependent Reaction | Chlorophyll molecules in photosystems that captures light energy and transfers the energy to ATP and carrier molecules |
Light Independent Reaction | Reactions to build carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water using energy captured during the light dependent reactions |
Calvin Cycle | Another name for light independent reactions |
Chloroplast | Organelle in plants where photosynthesis occurs |
Thylakoid | Stacks of membrane bags in chloroplasts where chlorophyll is embedded; site of light reaction |
Stroma | Fluid surrounding thylakoids; site of light independent reaction |
Photosystem | Collection of light capturing molecules found in thylakoids |
Chlorophyll | Main light capturing molecule for photosynthesis; reflects green wavelengths |
Carrier Molecules | Special molecules capable of moving high energy electrons around the cell |
Heterotrophs
(hetero= other, troph= nutrition) | Organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms or their products |
Photosynthesis
(photo= light, syn= join) | Series of chemical reactions that use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into high energy carbohydrates, autotrophs only |
Cell Respiration | Chemical reactions to transfer energy stored in sugars and other food to ATP; releases carbon dioxide |
ATP
(adenosine TRIphosphate) | Temporary high energy molecule for cell fuel with three phoshates |
ADP
(adenosine diphophate) | Stable lower energy molecule with two phosphates; is converted to ATP |