Photosynthesis Overview

The Calvin cycle is a metabolic pathway in which carbon dioxide is converted into glucose during photosynthesis.

Carbon fixation is the first step in the Calvin cycle, where the enzyme Rubisco attaches carbon dioxide to the molecule RuBP.

The reduction phase of the Calvin cycle involves converting 3-PGA (3-phosphoglycerate) into G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate) using ATP and NADPH.

Regeneration is the last step where 5 molecules of G3P are rearranged to regenerate 3 molecules of RuBP, requiring additional ATP.

RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate) is a five-carbon sugar molecule that acts as the primary acceptor of carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.

The movement of electrons from photosystem II (PSII) to photosystem I (PSI) during photosynthesis.

A process where electrons cycle back to PSII, generating ATP but not NADPH.

The primary pigment in PSII, absorbing light energy to excite electrons.

The process of generating ATP using the energy stored in a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane.

An enzyme embedded in the thylakoid membrane that uses the proton gradient to synthesize ATP.

The compartment inside the chloroplast where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur.

The electron transport chain (ETC) responsible for generating ATP and NADPH.

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

The outermost layer of the chloroplast, allowing small molecules to freely pass through.

The inner layer of the chloroplast, acting as a barrier for ions and metabolites. It regulates what enters the chloroplast.

Disk-like structures within the chloroplast, increasing surface area for efficient light absorption during photosynthesis.

The fluid-filled space within the chloroplast, surrounding internal structures. Plays a vital role in the light independent reactions of photosynthesis.

A key protein complex involved in the light reactions, responsible for absorbing light and generating electrons that drive the process.

A second protein complex involved in the light reactions, absorbing light and passing electrons to a second electron transport chain to ultimately reduce NADP+ to NADPH.