Leaf Anatomy and Microscopy

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What are the green and blue bush-like structures in the thylakoid?

photosystems: clusters of proteins that absorb light energy from the sun and help convert it into the chemical energy stored in ATP

What is the function of ATP synthase?

It facilitates the flow of protons down their concentration gradient from one side of the thylakoid membrane to the other, using the energy released to assemble ATP.

What do the pulses of light in the thylakoid membrane represent?

Energized electrons being passed from one photosystem to another, passing along the energy which will be stored in the bonds of ATP (the classic 'bucket brigade')

What is the role of ATP molecules in living things?

Living things store energy in the bonds of ATP molecules and then use that energy to conduct all the processes of life. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process facilitated by the enzyme ATP synthase in the thylakoid membrane at the molecular level.

ATP synthase facilitates the flow of protons down their concentration gradient from one side of the thylakoid membrane to the other, using the energy released in the process to assemble ATP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of photosystems in the thylakoid membrane?

Photosystems are clusters of proteins that absorb light energy from the sun and help convert it into the chemical energy stored in the bonds of the energy carrier molecule ATP. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of energized electrons being passed from one photosystem to another in the thylakoid membrane.

Energized electrons being passed from one photosystem to another represent the transfer of energy which will be stored in the bonds of ATP, resembling a 'bucket brigade' to transfer energy for ATP synthesis. Signup and view all the answers