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Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

Biology exam cards on light-dependent reactions, Calvin cycle inputs/outputs, and chloroplast structure.

10 cards· by GuruOwl

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  1. 01
    Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur?
    Thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast.
    location
  2. 02
    Where does the Calvin cycle occur?
    Stroma of the chloroplast.
    location
  3. 03
    What are the main products of the light reactions used by the Calvin cycle?
    ATP and NADPH (O₂ is released as a byproduct from water splitting).
    products
  4. 04
    What is the overall simplified equation of photosynthesis?
    6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
    equation
  5. 05
    What is the role of photosystem II in the light reactions?
    Absorbs light, splits water (photolysis), releases O₂, and begins the electron transport chain.
    etc
  6. 06
    What enzyme fixes CO₂ in the Calvin cycle (C3 plants)?
    Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase).
    calvin
  7. 07
    What is the first stable product of the Calvin cycle in C3 plants?
    3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).
    calvin
  8. 08
    Why do C4 and CAM plants use alternative carbon-fixation strategies?
    To minimize photorespiration in hot/dry conditions by concentrating CO₂ around Rubisco (spatial or temporal separation).
    c4-cam
  9. 09
    What color of light is least effective for photosynthesis in typical green plants, and why?
    Green — chlorophyll reflects/transmits green wavelengths more than it absorbs them.
    pigments
  10. 10
    What is photophosphorylation?
    ATP production in chloroplasts driven by light-powered electron transport and a proton gradient (chemiosmosis).
    atp