Photosynthesis

1) **ATP** - The basic energy source of the cell. 2) **Heterotroph** - organisms that must rely on other organisms for food. 3) **Autotroph** - Organisms that can produce their own food. 4) **Photosynthesis** - The process of creating food, using sunlight for energy. 5) **Pigments** - Light-absorbing molecules. 6) **Chlorophyll** - Green pigment found in plants that is responsible for photosynthesis. 7) **Thylakoids** - Sac-like membranes inside a chloroplast, they contain chlorophyll. 8) **Stroma** - The fluid inside the chloroplast. 9) **NADP+** - Important electron carrier in photosynthesis. 10) **Light-Dependent Reactions** - first steps of photosynthesis, they require sunlight to function. 11) **Light-Independent Reactions** - the second steps of photosynthesis, they do not require sunlight. 12) **Photosystems** - Clusters of chlorophyll molecules and electron carriers located on the thylakoids. 13) **Calvin Cycle** - The typical steps of the Light-Independent reactions, named after Melvin Calvin. Plants take in CO2 and make sugars 14) **Electron Transport Chain** - A series of Electron Carriers that move electrons during photosynthesis. 15) **Gradient** - an area over which something changes - uneven distribution through space 16) **ATP Synthase** - Enzyme catalyst that produces ATP from ADP and P. 17) **Hydrogen Ion** - Atom with an electrical charge = H+ 18) **C-4 Pathway** - Adaptation that allows plants to conserve water in warm, dry environments. 19) **CAM Pathway** - Adaptation that allows plants to open their leaves only at night. This conserves water in HOT and DRY environments.