3.5: Photosynthesis Introduction Flashcards
1
Q
What is photosynthesis?
A
- The conversion of light energy to chemical energy
- plants are autotrophs (specifically photautotrophs)
2
Q
What are autotrophs?
A
- organisms that produce their own food (organic molecules) from simple substances in their surroundings
3
Q
What are heterotrophs?
A
- organisms unable to make their own food so they live off of other organisms
4
Q
Where did photosynthesis first evolve from?
A
- prokaryotic organisms
5
Q
What are cyanobacteria? (2)
A
- early prokaryotes capable of photosynthesis
- oxygenated the atmosphere of early Earth
6
Q
What are the foundation of eukaryotic photosynthesis (protists, algae, plants)?
A
- prokaryotic photosynthesis pathways
7
Q
Which eukaryotic organisms are the #1 producers of oxygen on Earth?
A
Algae
8
Q
Where in plants is the primary location of photosynthesis?
A
- leaves
9
Q
What is a chloroplast?
A
- organelle for the location of photosynthesis
10
Q
Whede is chloroplast found?
A
- found in the mesophyll, the cells that make up the interior tissue of the leaf
11
Q
What is a stomata?
A
- pores in leaves that allow CO2 in and O2 out
12
Q
Chloroplasts are surrounded by a __ ___.
A
Double membrane
13
Q
What is the stroma of a chloroplast?
A
Aqueous internal fluid (similar to matrix)
14
Q
What are thylakoids?
A
- from stacks known as grana (similar to cristae)
15
Q
What is chlorophyll?
A
Green pigment in thylakoid membranes
