Photosynthesis

From Solar Energy To Glucose

General Structure Of The Chloroplast

Thylakoid Membrane And Space Are Continuous

Electron Micrograph 3700X

Absorption of Solar Radiation 450nm to 750nm

Takes place in a chlorophyll molecule

There are many different chlorophyll’sChlorophylls a, b, d Carotenoid, Xanthophyll

What Portion of Visible Light Is Absorbed?

A Highly Charged Electron Is Released From Chlorophyll

The Electron Supplies Energy To Accomplish the Following:

To break water apart in the lumen which releases Oxygen as a waste product and creates Protons

2H2O + e- + enzyme → O2 + 4H+ + e- + enzyme

This increases the Proton concentration in the lumen

The Electron Continues To Provide Energy Increasing The Concentration Of Protons In

the Lumen And Decreasing The

Concentration Of Protons In The Stroma

This Process Of Electron Transport Also Produces ATP And NADPH In The Stroma

These Steps Are Part Of The Light Reactions Of Photosynthesis: They Can Only Happen During Daylight

So what has taken place?1. Concentration gradient of protons has been made. [H+] High in the Lumen(Thylakoid Space) and Low in the Stroma

2. Protons move by facilitated diffusion through an ATP Synthase thus making ATP from ADP + Pi in the Stroma.3. NADPH, another energy carrying molecule is made in the Stroma

The Calvin Cycle: A Series Of Dark Reactions

Bottom Line

Final Overview Of Photosynthesis