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AP Biology: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
Master the foundational processes of life with these AP Biology flashcards on Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. This deck covers the essential inputs, outputs, locations, and mechanisms of energy transformation in living organisms. Perfect for reviewing key concepts and preparing for your exam.
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What is the overall balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation summarizes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur within the chloroplast?
The light-dependent reactions occur on the thylakoid membranes within the chloroplasts. This is where chlorophyll pigments capture light energy.
What are the main inputs and outputs of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
Inputs are light energy and water (H2O). Outputs are ATP, NADPH, and oxygen gas (O2).
What is the primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll is the primary pigment that absorbs light energy, particularly in the red and blue spectra, initiating the process of photosynthesis.
Where does the Calvin Cycle (light-independent reactions) occur and what are its main products?
The Calvin Cycle occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast. Its main products are G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate), which is used to synthesize glucose, and regenerated RuBP.
What is the purpose of the electron transport chain (ETC) in the light reactions of photosynthesis?
The ETC transports electrons, releasing energy to pump protons and create a proton gradient, which is then used by ATP synthase to produce ATP. It also reduces NADP+ to NADPH.
What is the overall balanced chemical equation for aerobic cellular respiration?
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP (Energy). This equation shows glucose and oxygen being converted into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
What are the four main stages of aerobic cellular respiration, and where do they occur in eukaryotic cells?
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm. Pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs Cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation occur in the mitochondria.
What is the net ATP production from glycolysis, and what are its major carbon-containing products?
Glycolysis produces a net of 2 ATP molecules. Its major carbon-containing products are two pyruvate molecules.
What is the primary function of the Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) in cellular respiration?
Its primary function is to complete the oxidation of glucose derivatives (acetyl-CoA), releasing carbon dioxide and generating a large number of electron carriers (NADH and FADH2).
What is the role of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?
NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers that transport high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain, where their energy is used to generate a proton gradient.
Explain the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
Oxidative phosphorylation involves the electron transport chain, which creates a proton gradient, and chemiosmosis, where ATP synthase uses the energy from this gradient to produce ATP.
How does chemiosmosis generate ATP during both photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Chemiosmosis involves the diffusion of protons (H+) across a membrane, down their concentration gradient, through ATP synthase, which harnesses this flow to phosphorylate ADP into ATP.
Under what conditions does fermentation occur, and what is its primary purpose?
Fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions). Its primary purpose is to regenerate NAD+ from NADH so that glycolysis can continue producing ATP.
What are the two common types of fermentation and their respective end products?
Lactic acid fermentation produces lactic acid, while alcohol fermentation produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.