Photosynthesis

• Light dependent reactions:
  • Capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy.
  • Occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
• Light independent reactions (Calvin cycle):
  • Use the chemical energy from the light-dependent reactions to reduce carbon dioxide and produce glucose.
  • Occur in the stroma of chloroplasts.
• Factors affecting photosynthesis:
  • Light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, water availability, chlorophyll content, and temperature.
• Importance of photosynthesis:
  • Provides oxygen for respiration.
  • Produces food for plants and other organisms.
  • Absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Respiration

• Aerobic respiration:
  • Uses oxygen to break down glucose and produce energy.
  • Occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
• Anaerobic respiration:
  • Does not use oxygen to break down glucose and produce energy.
  • Occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
• Glycolysis:
  • Breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate.
  • Occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
• Krebs cycle:
  • Breaks down pyruvate into carbon dioxide and water.
  • Occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
• Electron transport chain:
  • Transfers electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen.
  • Uses the energy from the electron transfer to create and ATP.
  • Occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
• Oxidative phosphorylation:
  • Combines ADP with inorganic phosphate to form ATP.
  • Uses the energy from the electron transport chain to drive the synthesis of ATP.
• Factors affecting respiration:
  • Temperature, availability of oxygen, concentration of reactants (e.g. glucose), and presence of inhibitors.
• Importance of respiration:
  • Provides energy for cells to carry out their functions.
  • Produces carbon dioxide and water as waste products.