An organism that uses energy, such as light, to synthesize organic molecules from inorganic substances. The organic molecules may be used for food. These make their own food.
autotroph
An organism that is not able to make its own food.
heterotroph
A series of chemical reactions that convert radiant energy (light energy) into chemical energy. The chemical energy is stored in the bonds of organic compounds (usually glucose). This process occurs in the presence of chlorophyll.
photosynthesis
The distance between crests of waves. Sunlight is a mixture of many different ones of these. All of them together appear white. When they are separated, different colors are visible. These colors form the "visible spectrum."
wavelength
The green pigment found in plants. It is able to absorb some of the wavelengths of light. It uses the energy from these wavelengths for photosynthesis.
chlorophyll
A general name given to pigments other than chlorophyll A. ex: chlorophyll B, C, D, carotene (orange), xanthophylls (yellow). These pigments absorb the wavelengths that are not absorbed by chlorophyll A (colors other than red and blue).
accessory pigments
The reactions occurring in photosynthesis which require light.
light reactions
The reactions occurring in photosynthesis which do not require light. They can occur in the presence of light or in darkness. They may also be called the Calvin cycle or CO2 fixation cycle.
dark reactions
A substance/molecule that easily bonds with H atoms and then releases them when they are needed.
H acceptor
A substance/molecule that combines with CO2 and stabilizes it.
CO2 acceptor
Respiration is the process by which food molecules (usually glucose formed during photosynthesis) are broken down and energy is released. This energy is used to form ATP, which in turn, provides energy for the cell.
aerobic/anaerobic respiration
The passage of H, e', or both, from a high energy level to a lower energy level by H/e' carriers. The carriers are molecules.
H/e' transport chain
