What is the light-dependent reaction? 

Sequence of events 1 through 6

What is the light-dependent reaction?

As in the overview of photosynthesis, the light-dependent reactions utilise light energy to convert it into more usable chemical energy.

So naturally, it starts with light. This is the brief sequence of events:

1. The electrons present in the chlorophyll of the plant’s chloroplasts are brought to a higher energy level (they enjoy dancing more) by light energy. This takes place on the thylakoid membrane, and more specifically in a conglomerate of proteins/enzymes dedicated to this reaction, called photosystem II.

2. To maintain a fresh supply of dancing electrons, light also splits (photolysis) the H2O into… electrons, protons and… wait for it. Wait for it. Wait… Oxygen! So that’s how the oxygen by-product is made.

3. What’s the deal with the dancing electrons? They’re picked up by electron carriers (nightclub bouncers) and thrown out, one by one. This releases energy every time a poor electron is pushed down another flight of stairs (thylakoids are multi-story clubs thank you very much) all the way to photosystem I. Ouch. I sure hope that energy is put to good use.

4. The sweat and blood and tears of electrons passing down the electron transport chain is used to…..