Lecture 20: Photosynthesis Flashcards
What are photoautotrophs?
Organisms that use energy from light to product organic molecules with which they build cells and store energy
The organic molecules that a plant produces must (5 things):
1) be storable within plant
2) be capable of being broken back down to yield energy for growth, maintenance, and production
3) be reasonably compact
4) be transportable within plant
5) be stable and non-toxic to plant
What does photosynthesis do (in terms of carbon)?
It “fixes carbon”. Basically, sequesters or secures it
3 characteristics of light:
1) travels in waves
2) length of wave can differ for each color
3) has particles called photons
Long wavelengths
visible: red
non visible: infrared radiation and radio waves
Short waves lengths
visible: blue
non visible: UV light and microwaves
What provides the energy that drives photosynthesis?
photons
What 2 sugars are produced by photosunthesis?
1) Glucose
2) Fructose
What is the formula for photosynthesis (write it out)
12H2O + 6CO2 —- > 6O2 + 6H2O + C6H12O6
What does chlorophyll a + b do in the light reactions
absorbs blue and red, reflects green
What do carotenoids do in the light reaction of photosynthesis?
- assists chlorophyll in light captures and energy transfer
- contributes to regulation and moderation of excessive excitation of pigment molecules during intense sunlight
Where are chlorophyll a + b AND carotenoids found?
chloroplast
What is embedded in thylakoid membrane?
chlorophyll and other pigments arranged in a structure called the antenna complex
What does the antenna complex do?
captures light energy and routes it to a collector called the reaction center
What happens when light hits a pigment molecule in the antenna complex?
The energy from photon promotes an electron to a higher orbital (energy gain)
