Antenna and Reaction Center

Highly simplified diagram of antenna system and reaction center (right).

A photon of light energy travels across the rings of the thylakoid membrane-embedded protein-chlorophyll-pigment complex until it reaches the closely-paired chlorophyll molecules of thereaction center, where it excites an electron which passes to an electron acceptor.

Theoretical and Computational Biophysics at UC Irvine: click image at left of page for audiovisual of light harvesting complexes & reaction centers of PSUs. Quantum Biology of the PSU .

PSI and PSII differ in wavelength of light absorbed and in the utilization of energy delivered to the electron acceptor. In the chloroplasts of green plants, transduced energy is utilized in the generation of ATP for PSII, and NADPH for PSI. Ultimately, the chemical energy of ATP and NADPH is employed in the production of glucose, which is stored in starch granules.

3D reaction center Rhodopsedoumonas viridis : External link Antenna and Reaction Center

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