D. Write the pathway energy would take beginning with a photon striking PSII. Where does this energy reside at the end of the light reactions? At the end of photosynthesis?

BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
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Chapter20: The Protists
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Problem 4CT: Melvin Calvin and Andrew Benson determined the steps in the light-independent reactions of...
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**Photosynthesis Pathway Exploration**

**Question:**
Write the pathway energy would take beginning with a photon striking PSII. Where does this energy reside at the end of the light reactions? At the end of photosynthesis?

**Explanation:**

In photosynthesis, the journey of energy begins when a photon strikes Photosystem II (PSII), initiating a chain of events crucial for energy conversion:

1. **Photon Absorption by PSII:** A photon excites electrons in the chlorophyll molecules of PSII, leading to the splitting of water molecules into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons.

2. **Electron Transport Chain (ETC):** The high-energy electrons move through the ETC, releasing energy used to pump hydrogen ions into the thylakoid space, creating a gradient.

3. **ATP and NADPH Formation:** The energy from the electron transport is used to form ATP via ATP synthase and convert NADP+ to NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin cycle.

4. **Energy Location at the End of Light Reactions:** At the conclusion of the light reactions, energy is stored in the ATP and NADPH molecules.

5. **Calvin Cycle and End of Photosynthesis:** In the Calvin cycle, ATP and NADPH are used to convert carbon dioxide to glucose, where the energy is ultimately stored as chemical energy in sugar molecules.

This process highlights the transformation of light energy into chemical energy, enabling the synthesis of organic compounds essential for life.
Transcribed Image Text:**Photosynthesis Pathway Exploration** **Question:** Write the pathway energy would take beginning with a photon striking PSII. Where does this energy reside at the end of the light reactions? At the end of photosynthesis? **Explanation:** In photosynthesis, the journey of energy begins when a photon strikes Photosystem II (PSII), initiating a chain of events crucial for energy conversion: 1. **Photon Absorption by PSII:** A photon excites electrons in the chlorophyll molecules of PSII, leading to the splitting of water molecules into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons. 2. **Electron Transport Chain (ETC):** The high-energy electrons move through the ETC, releasing energy used to pump hydrogen ions into the thylakoid space, creating a gradient. 3. **ATP and NADPH Formation:** The energy from the electron transport is used to form ATP via ATP synthase and convert NADP+ to NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin cycle. 4. **Energy Location at the End of Light Reactions:** At the conclusion of the light reactions, energy is stored in the ATP and NADPH molecules. 5. **Calvin Cycle and End of Photosynthesis:** In the Calvin cycle, ATP and NADPH are used to convert carbon dioxide to glucose, where the energy is ultimately stored as chemical energy in sugar molecules. This process highlights the transformation of light energy into chemical energy, enabling the synthesis of organic compounds essential for life.
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