🦠microbiology review

key term - Photosynthesis

Definition

Photosynthesis is a biochemical process by which phototrophic organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, storing it in the bonds of glucose molecules. This process primarily occurs in chlorophyll-containing cells and involves both light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).
  2. In prokaryotic phototrophs, such as cyanobacteria, photosynthesis takes place in thylakoid membranes.
  3. The primary pigment involved in photosynthesis is chlorophyll, which absorbs light most efficiently at specific wavelengths.
  4. Oxygenic photosynthesis produces oxygen as a byproduct, while anoxygenic photosynthesis does not produce oxygen.
  5. Archaea do not perform traditional photosynthesis but some utilize a form of photophosphorylation involving bacteriorhodopsin.

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