What are the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

In the light-dependent reactions, a photon of light hits an electron located in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast in photosystem II. This causes the electron to gain energy and jump to a higher energy state, generating an oxygen molecule at the same time which can be released into the atmosphere. This electron then travels down an electron-transport chain through a series of electron carries. As it does, energy is released. This energy can be used to pump H+ ions across the membrane through ATP synthase, which phosphorylates ADP at the same time, generating ATP. The electron then travels to photosystem I, where a similiar reaction occurs. However, this time NADP+ is reduced, creating NADPH instead of ATP.

SC
Answered by Sarah C. Biology tutor

5890 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the reactions that link glycolysis to the krebs cycle


Explain the neuromuscular junction


Describe protein synthesis


Describe evolution by natural selection and how this may lead to speciation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences