Biology
Photosystems and the Calvin cycle
A lesson shell for pigments, limiting factors, light-dependent reactions, chemiosmosis, and carbon fixation.
Lesson progress
Compare absorption and action spectra.Explain photolysis and non-cyclic photophosphorylation.Describe how ATP and NADPH support the Calvin cycle.
Figure review
Photosynthesis diagrams referenced in the source document must be redrawn before publication as final Stemosphere assets.
Photosynthesis organizes light capture and carbon fixation into connected reactions. Pigments absorb light, photosystems move excited electrons, and the Calvin cycle uses chemical energy to build carbon compounds.
Definition
Photolysis
The splitting of water using light energy, producing electrons, protons, and oxygen.
- Light excites electrons in Photosystem II.
- Water replaces lost electrons through photolysis.
- Electron transport builds a proton gradient.
- ATP synthase uses the gradient to form ATP.
- Photosystem I supports reduction of NADP to NADPH.
Figure needs redraw
Reference figure to redraw: photosystems, electron transport, and Calvin cycle flow.
Reference asset tracked internally.