Photosynthetic Redox Pathway

Light Dependent Reactions

Catabolic processes occurring in the thylakoid membranes that convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Photolysis

The process of breaking down water (H2O) using light energy to release oxygen and provide electrons for photosynthesis.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons, ultimately leading to the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using the energy from protons flowing down their concentration gradient.

Carbon Fixation

The initial step of the Calvin Cycle where carbon dioxide is attached to RuBP by the enzyme RuBisCO.

RuBisCO

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

G3P (Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate)

A three-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin Cycle from the reduction of carbon compounds using ATP and NADPH.

Anabolic processes

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units; in photosynthesis, it refers to the Light Independent Reactions.

Endergonic reaction

A reaction that requires energy input; in photosynthesis, it refers to the Light Independent Reactions.

Exergonic reaction

A reaction that releases energy; in photosynthesis, it refers to the Light Dependent Reactions.

Products of Light Dependent Reactions

ATP, NADPH, and oxygen are produced from light energy absorption and subsequent chemical processes.

Products of Light Independent Reactions

ADP, NADP+, and sugar molecules are produced from the Calvin Cycle processes.