F214 PHOTOSYNTHESIS KEY DEFINITIONS TABLE

large organic molecules from inorganic substances. Photosynthesis forms the basis of most food chains

Autotroph

Organisms that use light/chemical energy and inorganic molecules (C02/H20) to synthesize complex organic molecules.

Hetrotroph

Organisms that ingest/digest complex organic molecules into chemical potential energy stored in them.

Chemoautotroph

Organisms that can synthesize organic molecules from inorganic molecules of energy i.e Prokaryotes can synthesize complex organic molecules using energy from exergonic chemical reaction .

Photoautotroph

Organisms that can photosynthesize using light energy to produce raw materials E.g Prototista/Earth Producers .

Photosynthetic pigments (PP)

Molecules that is able to absorb light energy. Different PP absorb certain wavelengths whilst other wavelengths are reflected. PP has distinctive peaks of absorptions.

Photosystem tunnel (PT)

Tunnel shaped structure held by proteins. Light harvesting cluster of photosynthic pigments in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplast.

Accessory pigments

Caratenoids that are not directly involved in LDR. Absorb Light wavelengths that are not absorbed by chlorophyll are passed down to reaction centre [Chlorophyll A].

Lamella

Thin plates folded in membrane.

Inner membrane

Permeable to many small ions.

Outer membrane

Less permeable to small ions. Transports protein embedded to control entry/exit between the cytoplasm and stroma inside cell.

Stroma

Fluid filled space contains enzymes( i.e. Rubisco) to catalyse LIR stage of photosystem. Contains starch grains/oil droplets/ prokaryotes type.

Thylakoid

Flattened membrane bound compartments. Site of…