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The Z-Scheme of Electron Transport in Photosynthesis

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The light reactions of photosynthesis assume a linear flow of electrons from water to NADP+. During this process, light energy drives the splitting of water molecules to produce oxygen. However, oxidation of water molecules is a thermodynamically unfavorable reaction and requires a strong oxidizing agent. This is accomplished by the first product of light reactions: oxidized P680 (or P680+), the most powerful oxidizing agent known in biology. The oxidized P680 that acquires an electron from the...

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Photosynthesis is a multipart, biochemical process that occurs in plants as well as in some bacteria. It captures carbon dioxide and solar energy to produce glucose. Glucose stores chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates. The overall biochemical formula of photosynthesis is 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the atmosphere and is largely responsible for maintaining the Earth’s atmospheric oxygen content.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Integrating a Triplet-triplet Annihilation Up-conversion System to Enhance Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Response to Sub-bandgap Light

Integrating a Triplet-triplet Annihilation Up-conversion System to Enhance Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Response to Sub-bandgap Light

Published on: September 12, 2014

Photosynthetic energy conversion: natural and artificial.

¹Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK SW7 2AZ.

Chemical Society Reviews

|December 18, 2008

Summary

Photosystem II (PSII), the enzyme essential for photosynthesis, splits water using sunlight. This review explores its potential for renewable energy and novel photochemical technologies to address energy and CO2 challenges.

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Integrating a Triplet-triplet Annihilation Up-conversion System to Enhance Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Response to Sub-bandgap Light

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Evolutionary Biology
Photochemistry

Background:

Photosystem II (PSII) is the crucial enzyme responsible for water splitting in photosynthesis.
The evolution of PSII significantly altered Earth's atmospheric composition and spurred biological diversification.
PSII utilizes solar energy to provide the necessary hydrogen for converting carbon dioxide into organic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the significance of Photosystem II in photosynthesis and its evolutionary impact.
To assess the potential of utilizing photosynthetic processes, specifically PSII, for renewable energy.
To explore the development of artificial photochemical technologies inspired by natural photosynthesis for energy and CO2 mitigation.

Main Methods:

Critical review of existing scientific literature (82 references).
Analysis of the biochemical and evolutionary role of Photosystem II.
Exploration of current and future applications in bioenergy and artificial photosynthesis.

Main Results:

Photosystem II's pivotal role in generating Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere and supporting life.
The established function of PSII in converting solar energy, water, and CO2 into biomass.
Identification of challenges and opportunities in harnessing PSII for sustainable energy solutions.

Conclusions:

The continued exploitation of biomass energy relies on understanding and optimizing photosynthetic processes like PSII.
Developing artificial photochemical systems that mimic PSII offers a promising avenue for addressing global energy demands and CO2 emissions.
Further research into PSII mechanisms can drive innovation in both bioenergy and synthetic biology.