Photosynthesis (Light-dependent) Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored as carbohydrates.
Where does photosynthesis occur?
Inside the chloroplasts of plant cells.
What are the two major stages of photosynthesis?
Light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle).
Where do the light-dependent reactions occur?
In the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast.
What is the main pigment involved in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll.
What does chlorophyll do?
It absorbs light energy to excite electrons for the photosynthetic process.
What happens to water molecules during the light-dependent reactions?
They are split into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons.
What are the products of the light-dependent reactions?
ATP, NADPH, and oxygen.
What is the role of ATP and NADPH?
They are energy carriers used in the Calvin Cycle to produce glucose.
What creates the hydrogen ion gradient in the thylakoid space?
The splitting of water and the pumping of ions by the electron transport chain.
What is the function of ATP synthase?
It generates ATP by using the hydrogen ion gradient.
What happens in Photosystem II?
Electrons are excited by light energy and transferred to the electron transport chain.
What happens in Photosystem I?
Electrons receive a second energy boost from light and help produce NADPH.
What is the final electron acceptor in the light-dependent reactions?
NADP+, which forms NADPH.
Why is oxygen released during photosynthesis?
It is a by-product of the splitting of water molecules.
What connects Photosystem II and Photosystem I?
The electron transport chain.
What is the primary purpose of the light-dependent reactions?
To convert light energy into ATP and NADPH for the Calvin Cycle.
Photosynthesis formula
CO2 + H2O —> C6H12O6 + O2
A process in which one or more substances (reactants) forms new substances (products)
Chemical reaction
It is a fluid-filled space around the thylakoid
stroma
This is where Photosystem I and II and their corresponding Electron Transport Chain are located
Thylakoid
Components of Light-dependent reactions
PS II
ETC 1
PS I
ETC 2
ATP Synthase
