How do photosystems convert solar energy to chemical energy

How do light-dependent reactions convert solar energy into chemical energy?

The lower energy form, NADP+, picks up a high energy electron and a proton and is converted to NADPH. When NADPH gives up its electron, it is converted back to NADP +. The overall purpose of the light-dependent reactions is to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of NADPH and ATP.

How do two photosystems absorb light energy?

The two photosystems absorb light energy through proteins containing pigments, such as chlorophyll. The light-dependent reactions begin in photosystem II. In PSII, energy from sunlight is used to split water, which releases two electrons, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

How light energy is used in photosynthesis?

Like all other forms of kinetic energy, light can travel, change form, and be harnessed to do work. In the case of photosynthesis, light energy is converted into chemical energy, which photoautotrophs use to build basic carbohydrate molecules ((Figure)). However, autotrophs only use a few specific wavelengths of sunlight. What Is Light Energy?

How does photosystem II convert light energy to chemical energy?

Conversion of light energy to chemical energy by photosystem II (PSII). a Simplified schematic representation of the primary charge separation in PSII. Excitation energy (shown by red curved arrow) reaches the photoactive RC-Chl a molecules (Chl D1, P D1, P D2, Chl D2) and leads to the formation of the singlet excited state of P680, 1 P680 ∗.

How does a photosystem work?

Figure \ (\PageIndex {7}\): A photosystem consists of a light-harvesting complex and a reaction center. Pigments in the light-harvesting complex pass light energy to two special chlorophyll a molecules in the reaction center. The light excites an electron from the chlorophyll a pair, which passes to the primary electron acceptor.

How do light-dependent reactions begin in photosystem II?

The light-dependent reactions begin in photosystem II. In PSII, energy from sunlight is used to split water, which releases two electrons, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. When a chlorophyll a molecule within the reaction center of PSII absorbs a photon, the electron in this molecule attains a higher energy level.