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OverviewOxygenic photosynthesis plays a central role in the global carbon and oxygen cycles. The carbohydrates produced support nearly all food webs, while the oxygen by‑product enables aerobic life.Light‑dependent and light‑independent reactionsPhotosynthesis occurs in two main stages, each in a different part of the chloroplast: light‑dependent reactions and light‑independent reactions, also called the Calvin‑Benson cycle or simply the Calvin...
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Oxygenic photosynthesis is a fundamental process in which light energy is harnessed to drive the oxidation of water, leading to the production of molecular oxygen (O₂), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). This process is essential for sustaining aerobic life on Earth and is primarily carried out by cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. The core of oxygenic photosynthesis lies in the thylakoid membranes, where chlorophyll pigments facilitate...
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What is Photosynthesis?00:39

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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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Photosystem II01:22

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The multi-protein complex photosystem II (PS II) harvests photons and transfers their energy through its bound pigments to its reaction center, and ultimately to photosystem I (PSI) through the electron transport chain. The pigments responsible for caputirng the light energy in photosystems include chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
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Photosystems01:32

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Photosystems are multiprotein complexes that form the functional units of photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. They are found embedded in the membrane of tiny sac-like structures called thylakoids placed inside the chloroplast.
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The energy required to carry out photosynthesis is light— typically electromagnetic radiation from the sun. The range of all possible wavelengths is known as the electromagnetic spectrum.
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Photosynthesis.

Matthew P Johnson1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K. matt.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk.

Essays in Biochemistry
|October 28, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Photosynthesis powers life on Earth by converting light energy into chemical energy. This process uses water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and carbohydrates, forming the foundation of ecosystems and energy resources.

Keywords:
membranephotosynthesisthylakoid

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Plant Physiology
  • Energy Conversion

Background:

  • Photosynthesis is vital for life, providing oxygen and food.
  • It underpins global food chains and energy sources.
  • Plant photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts via distinct reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explain the fundamental principles of photosynthesis.
  • To detail the light-dependent and light-independent reactions.
  • To discuss the significance of energy capture and carbon fixation.

Main Methods:

  • Explanation of light reactions in thylakoid membranes.
  • Description of water splitting and electron/proton transfer.
  • Overview of the Calvin-Benson cycle in the chloroplast stroma.

Main Results:

  • Light reactions produce ATP and NADPH.
  • Calvin-Benson cycle utilizes ATP and NADPH to fix CO2 into carbohydrates.
  • Water is split, releasing oxygen, protons, and electrons.

Conclusions:

  • Photosynthesis is a two-stage process essential for life.
  • It involves solar energy capture, electron and proton transfer.
  • The biochemical basis of carbon fixation is crucial for biomass production.