1. In photosynthesis, how does light reaction differ from dark reaction? 2. What materials are needed to start the light reaction? 3. What happens to the electrons in the chlorophyll when it is activated by light? 4. How is oxygen produced during the light reaction phase? 5. What is the Calvin cycle? 6. What is the role of ATP in the Calvin cycle?
Answer (1)
In photosynthesis, how does light reaction differ from dark reaction?
The light reaction, also known as the photochemical phase, occurs in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts and requires light to proceed. It involves the absorption of light energy by chlorophyll, which is used to generate ATP and NADPH while splitting water molecules to release oxygen.
The dark reaction, also known as the Calvin cycle or the light-independent reaction, occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts. It doesn’t require light directly but uses the ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
What materials are needed to start the light reaction?
The materials needed to start the light reaction include light energy, chlorophyll pigments, water molecules, and other pigments involved in the photosystem.
What happens to the electrons in the chlorophyll when it is activated by light?
When chlorophyll absorbs light energy, its electrons become excited to a higher energy level. These high-energy electrons are transferred to an electron transport chain, starting a series of reactions that lead to the production of ATP and NADPH.
How is oxygen produced during the light reaction phase?
During the light reaction, when water molecules are split in a process called photolysis, oxygen is produced as a byproduct. The splitting of water releases electrons, protons (hydrogen ions), and oxygen gas.
What is the Calvin cycle?
The Calvin cycle, also known as the light-independent reactions, is a series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts. During this cycle, carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using the ATP and NADPH produced during the light reactions.
What is the role of ATP in the Calvin cycle?
ATP provides the energy required for various chemical reactions in the Calvin cycle. It helps convert 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, which is a key intermediate in the synthesis of glucose."}
