8.3 Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which cells synthesise organic molecules from inorganic molecules in the presence of sunlight
What does photosynthesis require?
A photosynthetic pigment
Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?
In the chloroplast
What are the two steps of photosynthesis?
Light dependent reactions
Light independent reactions
What does the light dependent reaction do?
Convert light energy from the sun into ATP
What does the light independent reaction do?
Use the chemical energy to synthesise organic compounds
Where does the light dependent reaction occur?
In the thylakoid
What are the three steps of the light dependent reaction?
Excitation of photosynthesis by light energy
Production of ATP via an electron transport chain
Reduction of NADP and the photolysis of water
What are photosystems?
Groups of photosynthetic pigments embedded within the thylakoid membrane
How are photosystems classed?
In accordance to their maximal absorption wavelengths
What happens when a photosystem absorbs light energy?
Delocalised electrons within the pigments become energised/excited
Where are excited electrons transferred to?
Carrier molecules within the thylakoid membrane
Where are excited electrons from photosystem II transferred to?
An electron transport chain within the thylakoid membrane
What do electrons lose as they are passed through the chain?
Energy
What is the energy that is lost during the electron transport chain used to do?
To translocate H+ ions into the thylakoid
What is caused by the build up of protons within the thylakoid?
An electrochemical gradient
Where do the H+ ions return to?
The stroma
How do the H+ ions return to the stroma?
Via the transmembrane enzyme ATP synthase/ chemiosmosis
What does ATP synthase use to catalyse the synthesis of ATP?
The passage of H+ ions
Where do the newly de-energised electrons from photosystem II go?
Photosystem I
What comes first photosystem I or II?
Photosystem II
What are excited electrons from photosystem I used to do?
Reduce NADP+
Where may excited electrons from photosystem I be transferred to?
A carrier molecule
What is needed in conjunction with ATP for the light independent reactions?
NADPH
What are the electrons lost from Photosystem I replaced by?
De-energised electrons from photosystem II
What replaces electrons lost from Photosystem II?
Electrons released from water via photolysis
How is water split?
By light energy
What is water split into?
H+ ions and oxygen