The energy from photons hitting Photosystem II is used to produce what?
Biology · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
The energy from photons hitting Photosystem II (PSII) in the process of photosynthesis is primarily used to:
- Split Water Molecules: The energy from photons is used to split water molecules (photolysis) into oxygen, protons (H⁺ ions), and electrons (e⁻). This process occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
The splitting of water molecules during photolysis provides electrons (e⁻) to replenish the lost electrons in Photosystem II and release oxygen as a byproduct. Additionally, the process generates protons (H⁺ ions), contributing to the formation of a proton gradient used in ATP synthesis during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.