What role does water play in the light reactions of photosynthesis?
Correct Answer: Water acts as a source of electrons in the light reactions.
- Step 1: Understand that photosynthesis happens in two main stages: light reactions and dark reactions.
- Step 2: Know that light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts when sunlight is absorbed.
- Step 3: Learn that chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, absorbs sunlight during these reactions.
- Step 4: Realize that when chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, it gets excited and loses electrons.
- Step 5: Understand that water (H2O) is split into oxygen (O2), protons (H+), and electrons (e-) during the light reactions.
- Step 6: Know that the electrons from water replace the lost electrons in chlorophyll, allowing the process to continue.
- Step 7: Remember that the oxygen produced from splitting water is released into the atmosphere.
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