Biology Final Chapter 5 Flashcards
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants and other autotrophs use the energy of sunlight to make energy-rich molecules (food) using carbon dioxide and water. It is critical to life one earth because it is the primary mechanism that makes energy available in the form of food to almost all living organism.
Autotrophs
Organisms such as plants, algae, and certain bacteria that capture the energy of sunlight by photosynthesis.
Chemical equation of photosynthesis
Sunlight + 6water + 6carbon dioxide –> 6Oxygen and Glucose
Chloroplast
The organelle in plant and algae cell photosynthesis occurs.
“Photo” step
During the photo step, Chlorophyll pigments within chloroplasts capture the energy of sunlight (photons). Chlorophyll electrons become excited and enter a series of reactions that generate an energy carrying molecule called ATP. During the process waters is split, releasing oxygen as a by-product.
“Synthesis” step
Energy from the breakdown of ATP is used to convert carbon dioxide into the energy-rich sugar glucose. It doesn’t require sunlight but it does require the products of the “photo” reactions.
Relationship between chemical, potential, and kinetic energy and their role in photosynthesis
Chemical energy is potential energy stored in the bonds of biological molecules. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion or movement. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy in the form of potential energy. The potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy to create ATP.
How is light energy used and how does chlorophyll determine the effectiveness of different colors of light.
Wavelengths of Light energy, also known as photons, contain different amounts of energy and different object on Earth absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light. Since chlorophyll reflects green light, it absorbs red and blue light which jumpstarts the process for creating ATP.
