Photosynthesis and the Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to photosynthesis and the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

NADPH

A high-energy electron carrier produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis.

ATP

A molecule that stores and transports chemical energy within cells.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment used in photosynthesis, responsible for absorbing light energy.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light.

Antenna Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll molecules that capture light energy and transfer it to reaction centers.

Reaction Center

The part of a photosystem that receives energy from antenna chlorophyll and transfers electrons.

Accessory Pigments

Pigments in photosystems other than chlorophyll that expand the range of light absorbed.

Cyclic Electron Transport

A pathway in photosynthesis where electrons from photosystem I return to the electron transport chain to increase ATP production.

Photophosphorylation

The process of generating ATP using the energy of sunlight during photosynthesis.

Photon

A particle of light that carries energy used in photosynthesis.

Photosystem II

The first photosystem in the photosynthetic electron transport chain that captures light energy.

Photosystem I

The second photosystem in the photosynthetic electron transport chain that helps form NADPH.

Plastoquinone (Pq)

A small, mobile compound that transfers electrons from photosystem II to the cytochrome complex.

Plastocyanin (Pc)

A small, mobile protein that transports electrons from the cytochrome complex to photosystem I.

Z Scheme

A model describing the flow of electrons during photosynthesis, resembling a Z shape.

Thylakoid Lumen

The interior space of the thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts where protons accumulate.

Cyclic Electron Transport

A pathway in which electrons are recycled back to photosystem I to enhance ATP production.

Chlorella

A genus of green algae used in studies to understand the quantum efficiency of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.