Biology 20 flashcards ~10 min

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

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Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two of the most important biological processes that sustain life on Earth. Photosynthesis allows plants, algae, and certain bacteria to capture energy from sunlight and convert it into glucose, while cellular respiration enables cells to break down glucose and release energy in the form of ATP. Together, these processes form the basis of energy flow through living organisms and ecosystems.

This flashcard deck covers the essential concepts of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, including chloroplasts, chlorophyll, light-dependent reactions, the Calvin cycle, glucose production, mitochondria, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the electron transport chain, ATP production, and the role of oxygen in energy metabolism. It also explains how these two processes are interconnected through the cycling of carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, and glucose.

Designed for biology students and lifelong learners, these flashcards simplify complex topics into clear, easy-to-review questions and answers. Whether you're preparing for quizzes, exams, or simply strengthening your understanding of cellular energy, this deck provides an effective way to review key terms, reinforce important concepts, and improve long-term retention.

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Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant and algal cells.

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment that captures light energy.

The light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

They capture light energy to produce ATP and NADPH while releasing oxygen from water.

The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into sugars.

Carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.

Glucose and oxygen.

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP.

Most cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells.

Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate in the cytoplasm.

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that further breaks down molecules to generate energy carriers for ATP production.

It is the final stage of cellular respiration where electrons are transferred to produce most of the cell's ATP.

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen used in cellular respiration, while cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and water used in photosynthesis.

ATP provides energy for cellular processes such as growth, transport, and metabolism.

Plants, algae, and certain bacteria perform photosynthesis.