Noncyclic photophosphorylation

Definition

Noncyclic photophosphorylation is the process in photosynthesis where electrons flow from water to NADP+, producing ATP and NADPH. This occurs in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts and involves both Photosystem I and Photosystem II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Noncyclic photophosphorylation generates both ATP and NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin cycle.
2. Water molecules are split during this process, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
3. Photosystem II absorbs light first, exciting electrons that move through an electron transport chain to Photosystem I.
4. This process is essential for converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
5. The movement of electrons down the electron transport chain creates a proton gradient used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.

Review Questions

Related terms

Photosystem I:

A complex that uses light energy to produce NADPH during photosynthesis.

Photosystem II:

The first protein complex in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, responsible for water splitting and oxygen release.

ATP Synthase:

An enzyme that creates ATP by using a proton gradient generated by electron transport chains.