photosynthesis, light reaction
photosynthesis, light reaction
The light reactions of photosynthesis, which take place in photosystems II and I. Light energy is harvested and used to power the transfer of electrons among a series of electron donors and acceptors. The final electron acceptor is NADP+, which is reduced to NADPH. NADPH generated from light reactions is used in sugar synthesis in dark reactions. Light reactions also generate a proton motive force across the thylakoid membrane, and the proton gradient is used to synthesize ATP. There are two chemical reactions involved in the light reactions: water oxidation in photosystem II, and NADP reduction in photosystem I.