5.1 A Photosynthesis definitions

Define Coenzyme

Molecules that help enzymes carry out their function, e.g. NAD, FAD, NAPD

What is NADPH

A coenzyme that transfers hydrogen

Define Photolysis

• The splitting of a molecule of water in the presence of light that occurs during the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis.

• This produces protons, electrons and oxygen:

H₂O ⟶ 2H+ + 2e- + ½O₂

Define Photoionsiation

• The process by which a molecule of chlorophyll is ionised.

• A chlorophyll molecule absorbs light energy causing a pair of electrons within it to become excited, raised to a higher energy level, and leave the molecule.

Define Phosphorylation

Adding an inorganic phosphate to make a compound more reactive

Define Metabolisim

A series of small reactions controlled by enzymes

Define Chemiosmosis

Electrons flow down the electron transport chain creating a proton gradient across the membrane

Define Decarboxylation

The removal of CO₂ from a molecule

Define Dehydrogenation

Removal of Hydrogen from a molecule