Light-dependent reaction

The Light-dependent reaction (pronunciation: /ˈlaɪt-dɪˈpɛndənt riˈækʃən/) is a process in photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy. The term originates from the dependency of the process on light (light-dependent) and the chemical process that occurs (reaction).

Etymology

The term "light-dependent reaction" is derived from the English words "light", "dependent", and "reaction". "Light" comes from the Old English "lēoht", meaning "brightness" or "illumination". "Dependent" comes from the Latin "dependere", meaning "to hang from". "Reaction" comes from the Latin "re-", meaning "back", and "agere", meaning "to do" or "to act".

Process

The light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast. They use light energy to make two molecules needed for the next stage of photosynthesis: the energy storage molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the reduced electron carrier nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).

Related Terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll pigments.
Thylakoid: A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. They are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH): A coenzyme used in anabolic reactions, which require NADPH as a reducing agent.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Light-dependent reaction
Wikipedia's article - Light-dependent reaction

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Light-dependent reaction