Science Chapter 3.3

Photosynthesis

Endothermic reaction that takes place in green plants and is the method plants use to make their own food

Glucose

A simple sugar with the chemical formula C6H12O6. A product in photosynthesis and a reactant in respiration

Chlorophyll

The green chemical found in the chloroplasts of green plants that traps the Sun's energy for photosynthesis

Stomata

Microscopic holes in the leaves of plants where gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour can enter or exit the plant

Chloroplast

Organelle in a plant cell that contains chlorophyll; where photosynthesis takes place (contains enzymes)

Enzyme

A chemical that helps a chemical reaction but is not used up in the reaction

Respiration

A series of chemical reactions that releases energy from glucose (exothermic)

Aerobic respiration

Respiration that uses oxygen as a reactant to convert glucose into energy

Anaerobic respiration

Respiration that does not require oxygen to convert glucose into energy

Mitochondria

Organelles in plant and animal cells where respiration takes place

carbon sink

a term used to describe materials that store carbon in their structures; plants and animals can be thought of as carbon sinks