Photosynthesis #2

Light-dependent reactions

Photosynthesis reactions that occur on the thylakoid membrane; chlorophyll absorbs sunlight energy and converts it into chemical energy (high energy electrons and ATP).

Calvin cycle

The part of photosynthesis that takes place in the stroma and uses chemical energy from light-dependent reactions to capture CO₂ and assemble sugar molecules.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that carries energy within cells and is produced during the light-dependent reactions.

NADPH

A carrier molecule that transfers high-energy electrons and is produced alongside ATP in light-dependent reactions.

Carrier molecules

Molecules that transport energy from light-dependent reactions to the Calvin cycle.

CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)

A reactant in the Calvin cycle that gets captured to form sugar molecules.

Visible light

The range of light wavelengths that plants can absorb, approximately 400nm to 700nm.

Short wavelengths

Wavelengths in the blue and violet light range which possess higher energy.

Long wavelengths

Wavelengths in the red light range which possess lower energy.

Bleaching

The effect that occurs when energy levels exceed those of blue light, causing damage to the molecule.