-sunlight brings energy to Earth
-the energy in sunlight is packaged in photons
-the photosystems in the thylakoid membrane capture photons
-pigments in the photosystems have an antenna complex that actually grabs the photons
-chlorophyll b captures the photons and transfers the energy to chlorophyll a (the reaction center)
-when the reaction center receives the energy it donates an electron
-the donated electron will move down the electron transport system (ETS)
-ETS after PS II generate ATP
-ETS after PS I reduces NADP into NADPH
*Remember, reduction means to gain an electron. When you gain H+, you gain an electron. NADP is an electron carrier, its main role is to transfer electrons through out the plant.
Photosystem II (PS II) is before Photosystem I (PS I)
Water splitting replenishes electrons lost in photosystem II…and creates oxygen
Photosystem II replenishes electrons lost in photosystem I
Electrons donated from PS II will help make ATP through producing a proton gradient within the thylakoid, which causes protons to move up through ATP synthase into the stroma and this generates ATP production. ATP is produced by adding a phosphate to ADP in the stroma. This ATP needs to remain in the stroma, it will be used in the calvin cycle to produce sugar.
Electrons donated from PS I will reduce NADP to NADPH in the stroma. This means the electron carrier (NADP) now has the electron it needs to help convert molecules in the calvin cycle, it will help create C-C bonds.
Light Independent Reaction AKA Calvin cycle AKA Carbon Fixation
After producing ATP and NADPH in the stroma through the light dependent reactions, the products will be used in the calvin cycle.
Making Calvin as easy as possible
-A plant has to have CO2 (carbon dioxide), RuBP and rubisco to start LI (light independent) reaction (rxn).
-Once a plant has all the reactants, PGA is formed
-NADPH and ATP will convert PGA into PGAL also known as