Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

Chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis in plant cells

Thylakoid Space

Location where photosynthesis reactions occur

Photosynthesis

Conversion of solar energy into chemical energy (ATP)

Marine Phytoplankton

Organisms that produce most atmospheric oxygen

Stroma

Site of the Calvin Cycle in chloroplasts

Visible Light

Light spectrum range from 380 to 750 nm

Pigments

Molecules that absorb and reflect light wavelengths

Chlorophyll Alpha

Primary pigment absorbing light for photosynthesis

Chlorophyll Beta

Accessory pigment aiding in light absorption

Carotenoids

Pigments that protect plants from sun damage

Light Reactions

Initial phase of photosynthesis converting light energy

P680

Special pair in Photosystem 2 absorbing light effectively

Electron Transport Chain

Pathway transferring electrons to generate ATP

Photophosphorylation

Light-driven process of ATP regeneration

Calvin Cycle

Synthesis phase using ATP and NADPH to create glucose

Carbon Fixation

Process of converting CO2 gas to solid form

Rubisco

Enzyme fixing CO2 to Ribulose BisPhosphate

Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate

Product formed after PGA reduction

Stomata

Leaf pores for gas exchange (CO2, O2, H2O)

Photorespiration

Inefficient process fixing O2 instead of CO2

C4 Plants

Plants using PEPCO to fix CO2 efficiently

CAM Plants

Plants opening stomata at night to conserve water

Hydrogen Ion Gradient

Created in thylakoid space to power ATP synthase