Primary electron acceptor

Definition

The primary electron acceptor is a molecule in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts that receives excited electrons from chlorophyll a during the light-dependent reactions. This transfer initiates the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The primary electron acceptor is involved in the first step of the electron transport chain.
2. It is essential for the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy during photosynthesis.
3. The primary electron acceptor receives electrons directly from Photosystem II (PSII) or Photosystem I (PSI).
4. It helps generate a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane, which drives ATP synthesis.
5. Without a functioning primary electron acceptor, photosynthetic efficiency would be significantly reduced.

Review Questions

Related terms

Photosystem II (PSII): A complex within the thylakoid membrane that initiates the light-dependent reactions by absorbing light and generating high-energy electrons.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC): A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Chlorophyll a:

The main pigment in plants responsible for capturing light energy and transferring excited electrons to the primary electron acceptor.