Topic 4 - Bioenergetics

• Photosynthesis


  Process in plant cells using chlorophyll to convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen
• Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction
• Limiting factor


  Variable that restricts the rate of photosynthesis, even if other factors are increased
• Measuring the rate of photosynthesis

  1. Submerge pondweed in inverted measuring cylinder, measure oxygen volume or count bubbles

  2. Vary light intensity as independent variable
• Inverse square relationship


  Light intensity decreases by 1/n^2 as distance is increased n times
• Aerobic respiration


  Cellular respiration that uses oxygen to convert glucose into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy
• Anaerobic respiration


  Cellular respiration without oxygen, converting glucose into lactic acid and releasing less energy
• Oxygen debt


  Extra oxygen needed after anaerobic exercise to break down lactic acid
• Fermentation


  Anaerobic respiration in plant and yeast cells, converting glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide
• Metabolism


  Sum of all chemical reactions in a cell or organism, including respiration, conversion of glucose, and protein synthesis