What are the key steps in the light dependent reaction of photosynthesis?

  1. Light energy from the Sun excites electrons in chlorophyll and the excited electrons are emitted.2. The chlorophyll molecule is now positively charged and chemically less stable. The lost electrons get replaced with electrons released from the photolysis of water: 2H2O --> 4H+ + 4e- + O2.3. The excited electrons pass through the electron transport chain, a passage involving a series of redox reactions. This occurs in the thylakoid membranes.4. At each transfer, energy is released and is used to combineADP + Pi -->ATP 5. NADP is the final electron acceptor and gets reduced to form NADPH. This goes on to be used in the light independent reaction of photosynthesis.6. Oxygen is a by product of this reaction and can either be used in aerobic respiration of the plant, or it can diffuse out as a waste product.
AA
Answered by Aditi A. Biology tutor

19871 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how the structure of glycogen allows it to perform its function and explain the advantages to animals of using glycogen as an energy store.


What makes DNA molecules so stable?


Describe the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis.


What is saltatory conduction?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning