Light Reactions of Photosynthesis

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to the light reactions of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Light Reactions

The first stage of photosynthesis where sunlight energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Thylakoid Membrane

The location within the chloroplast where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Photosystems

Complexes of chlorophyll and proteins that capture light energy; there are two types, Photosystem I and Photosystem II.

NADPH

An electron carrier that stores energy and electrons, produced in the light reactions of photosynthesis.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP, powered by the flow of hydrogen ions through the thylakoid membrane.

Chemiosmosis

The process of generating ATP using the energy stored in a proton gradient across a membrane.

Water Splitting

The process by which water molecules are split into oxygen, protons, and electrons, providing electrons for the light reactions.

Photophosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP, driven by light energy during the light reactions.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons); crucial in the light reactions.