The Reactions of Photosynthesis Chapter 8.3a The Reactions of Photosynthesis

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Inside a Chloroplast A chloroplast is where photosynthesis takes place. A chloroplast has saclike photosynthetic membranes called thylakoids. They are arranged in a stack called a granum. They have photosystems – these are light-collecting units that contain chlorophyll and other pigments.

There are 2 parts to photosynthesis the light- dependent reactions and the light independent reactions. The light-dependent reactions happen on the thylakoid membranes. The light-independent reactions take place in the stroma, an area outside the thylakoid membranes

Electron Carriers Electrons are in the chlorophyll. When sunlight hits these electrons the electron gains a lot of energy. These high energy electrons need special carriers. A carrier molecule is a compound that can accept a pair of high-energy electrons and transfer them along with their energy to other molecules. This process is called electron transport, the electron carriers are part of the electron transport chain.

One of the carrier molecules is called NADP+. When electrons are transported it is transported as a hydrogen ion. This makes NADP+ into NADPH. NADPH moves electrons around the chlorophyll.