Electron Transport Chain in Photosynthesis

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components and mechanisms of the photosynthetic electron transport chain based on the Labster theory pages.

Photosystem II

The system from which electrons are first transferred to a plastoquinone to begin the electron transport chain.

Plastoquinone

An electron carrier that shuttles electrons through the electron transport chain and is reduced by the reaction center because it has a higher reduction potential than the previous electron donor.

Cytochrome $b_6f$ complex

Also referred to as the cytochrome proton pump, this complex has a higher reduction potential than plastoquinone and uses electron energy to pump protons into the thylakoid lumen.

Thylakoid lumen

The space into which protons ($H^+$) are actively pumped using energy from electrons as they move along the transport chain.

Photosystem I

A complex that uses light energy to re-energize low energy electrons in order to reduce $NADP^+$ to $NADPH$.

Electron carrier

A component in the electron transport chain that functions as both an electron acceptor and an electron donor.

Reduction potential

The property that drives electrons to move along the chain; each subsequent carrier or complex has a higher value than the one preceding it.

Plastocyanine

An electron carrier that transfers electrons toward Photosystem I.

Ferredoxin

An electron carrier that receives electrons from Photosystem I.

Ferredoxin-NADP reductase

The enzyme that facilitates the reduction of $NADP^+$ to $NADPH$ using electrons from Ferredoxin.

ATP Synthase

A complex that produces ATP from $ADP$ and $P_i$ as protons ($H^+$) flow through it.