p. 1817 Photosynthesis: The Light Reactions
- Lincoln Taiz, Lincoln TaizUniversity of California, Santa Cruz
- Eduardo Zeiger, Eduardo ZeigerUniversity of California, Los Angeles
- Ian Max MøllerIan Max MøllerAarhus University, Denmark
- , and Angus MurphyAngus MurphyUniversity of Maryland
Abstract
This chapter addresses the role of light in photosynthesis, the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus, and the processes that begin with the excitation of chlorophyll by light and culminate in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and NADPH. The term photosynthesis literally means “synthesis using light”. Photosynthetic organisms use solar energy to synthesize complex carbon compounds. More specifically, light energy drives the synthesis of carbohydrates and generation of oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. The chapter begins by exploring the nature of light, the properties of pigments, and the various roles of pigments, before considering key experiments in understanding photosynthesis. It then looks at the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus and light-absorbing antenna systems, the mechanisms of electron transport, proton transport and ATP synthesis in the chloroplast.
