Light Dependent Reaction Process

The light dependent reaction occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, converting light energy into chemical energy. This process involves multiple sophisticated steps working in concert to produce ATP and NADPH.

Definition: Photolysis is the process of splitting water molecules using light energy, producing hydrogen ions and oxygen.

Highlight: The electron transport chain generates a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.

Vocabulary: Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI) are protein complexes that contain chlorophyll and other pigments for capturing light energy.

The process follows these key steps:

1. Light strikes photosystem II
2. Electrons are excited and transported through the electron transport chain
3. Hydrogen ions are pumped into the thylakoid space
4. Electrons enter PSI and are re-energized
5. NADP+ accepts electrons to form NADPH
6. ATP synthase uses the proton gradient to generate ATP

Example: Think of the electron transport chain as a molecular waterwheel, where the flow of hydrogen ions drives the production of ATP, similar to how flowing water can generate electricity.