Photosynthesis Light Reactions

These flashcards cover the key concepts and processes involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis, aiming to help students prepare for their exam.

Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis occur?

In the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

What is the main purpose of the light reactions?

To convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

What is produced as a byproduct of the light reactions?

Oxygen (O2) is produced as a byproduct.

What enzyme is responsible for synthesizing ATP during the light reactions?

ATP synthase.

What do NADP+ reductase do?

It reduces NADP+ to NADPH by adding electrons.

What are photosystem I and photosystem II named based on?

Photosystem II was discovered first, despite it functioning earlier in the process.

What role do the thylakoids play in the light reactions?

They house pigment molecules like chlorophyll that capture light energy.

During the light reactions, what is stolen from water and what for?

Hydrogens are stolen from water to reduce NADP+ to NADPH.

What is 'linear electron flow'?

It is the pathway where electrons are transferred from water to NADP+, generating ATP and NADPH.

What is 'cyclic electron flow' and its primary product?

Cyclic electron flow recycles electrons back through the electron transport chain to produce ATP without generating NADPH.

What are the reactants required for the light reactions?

Light energy and water.

What are the main products formed during the light reactions?

ATP, NADPH, and oxygen.

What is photophosphorylation?

The process of generating ATP through the movement of protons across a membrane during the light reactions.

What does RuBisCO do during the Calvin cycle?

It catalyzes the reaction between CO2 and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) to initiate carbon fixation.