Senior High School

GENERAL BIOLOGY
Module 9 Patterns of
Electrons Flow Through Light
Reaction Events

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 Target

Humans most constantly take in food and water. Plants must get these
substances also into their systems in order to survive. If we trace a food chain,
we find green plants as source of food for animals. But how do plants feed?
Where do plants obtain energy and the raw materials required for the building of
plant matter? If plants create energy for animals to use, they should have a way
of replenishing their nutrients. How plants harness energy from and how they
converted into carbohydrate molecules is what are we going to study in this
lesson.

In your previous lesson, you are done with the importance of

chlorophyll and other pigments in plants. This module will provide you with
information and activities that will help you understand the patterns of
electron flow through light reaction.
Moreover, this module covers also the second stage of photosynthesis
Known as the light- independent reaction or Calvin cycle.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction events.

STEM_BIO11/12-IIa-j-4
2. Describe the significant events of the Calvin cycle. STEM_BIO11/12-
IIa-j-5

Learning Objectives;

1. identify the important molecules involved and produced in the light

reaction and Calvin cycle;

2. describe the events and processes happening during light reactions and
Calvin Cycle

3. differentiate the two stages of photosynthesis.

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 Before going on, check how much you know about this topic.
Answer the pretest on the next page in a separate sheet of
paper.

PRETEST: Read carefully each item. Write only the letter of the BEST answer
for each test item in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which event occurs first during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide enters through the stomata of the leaves.
B. Chlorophyll changes molecules of carbon dioxide and water into
glucose.
C. Oxygen will be release.
D. Plants capture light energy and use that energy to make glucose.

2. What two main products result from photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide and water
B. Glucose and oxygen
C. Glucose and carbon dioxide
D. Water and oxygen

3. Which equation describes the chemical reaction of photosynthesis?

A. 6 CO2 + 6 H20 C6H12O6 + 6 O2
B. CHO + 02 CO2 + H20
C. CO + HO CHO + O
D. CO2 + H20 C6H12O6 + 6 O2

4. Which equation describes the chemical reaction of respiration?

A. CO2 + H20 CHO + 02
B. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 6 CO2 + 6 H20
C. CO + HO CHO + O
D. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 CO2 + H20

5. Which of the following does not happen during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through holes called pistil.
B. CO2 combines with the stored energy in the chloroplasts through
a chemical reaction to make glucose.
C. The sugar is moved through tubes in the leaf to the roots, stems
and fruits of the plants.
D. Some of the sugar is used right away by the plant for energy;
some is stored as starch; and some is built into plant tissue.
6. Which is true about the photosynthetic pigments? A. There is only one kind of
chlorophyll.
B. Chlorophyll absorbs mostly green light.
C. Chlorophyll is required in the Calvin cycle.
D. Chlorophyll is formed in the membrane of thylakoids

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7. Which of the following describes Photosystem II?
\

I. Optimally absorbs photons of wavelength of 700 nm.

II. Electron trapped by P680 are energized by light.
III. Responsible in for providing low energy electrons with which to
reduce NADP+ to produce NADPH to be used in the Calvin cycle.
IV. Electrons are energized by sunlight and passed to a secondary

A. I B. II C. III D. IV

8. Which describes carbon fixation?

A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds

9. Which describes the regeneration of RuBP?

A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds

10. Three turns of Calvin cycle are necessary to produce one net gain of PGAL.
Five PGAL molecules are required to regenerate 3 molecules of RuBP.
During the three turns how many molecules of ATP and NADPH are use
up?
A. 3, 6
B. 6, 9
C. 9, 6
D. 6, 3

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 Lesson
Photosynthesis:
1 The Light reaction

Jumpstart

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants harness light

energy from the sun to convert it to chemical energy of sugar. Let us revisit
your previous knowledge on photosynthesis by answering the activity given
below.

Activity 1:
Directions: Study the diagram below on photosynthesis before answering the
process questions below.

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + 6 O2

Q1. What are the reactants involved in the process?

Q2. What are the products of photosynthesis?

Discover

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 • The equation above is simple but the exact mechanism by which
photosynthesis occurs is complicated. For convenience, the process may
be divided into two phases:

1. the light-dependent phase or photochemical reaction that occurs in

the granum and requires the presence of light energy; and 2. the-
independent phase/Calvin Cycle or carbon fixation that occurs in the
stroma with or without light.

• The products of the light-dependent phase are used as reactants in the

light-independent phase. Hence, the light-dependent phase is a
prerequisite to the light-independent phase.

• Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and magnesium are the major

essential nutrients needed by plants.

4
Activity 2:
Directions: Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What do plants need for photosynthesis?

2. What are the two stages of photosynthesis?

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 Figure 2: The Light Reactions
From the figure below, identify the key players involved in the process.

Light Reactions Events

1. Light energy or photon is absorbed by a pigment molecule of the light-

harvesting complex of Photosystem II and is passed on to other pigment
molecules nearby until the energy makes it to the reaction center. In the
reaction center, it is absorbed by the P680 pair of chlorophyll a.
2. The electron in this pair of chlorophyll a is raised to an excited state and
is transferred to the primary electron acceptor. P680 loses its electron
and becomes positively charged (P680+).
3. The positively charged molecule attracts electrons from a water
molecule, resulting to the splitting up of H20 into two electrons, two
hydrogen ions (H+), and an oxygen atom with the provision of light
energy. The oxygen atom immediately combines with another oxygen
atom to form an oxygen molecule (O2) which is then released outside the
leaf through the stomata.
4. The excited electrons are then passed on from the primary electron
acceptor to the electron carrier molecules through the electron
transport chain until they reach Photosystem I. The electron carrier
molecules involved here are plastoquinone (Pq), a cytochrome complex,
and plastocyanin (Pc).

5. At each transfer, the electrons release small amounts of energy. This

energy is used to pump hydrogen ions across the membrane. The
splitting up of water molecules results to an uneven distribution of
hydrogen ions in the stroma and the lumen. The H+ ions tries to equalize
their distribution by moving from the lumen to the stroma through the
aid of a membrane protein called ATP synthase. This is referred to as
chemiosmosis. The movement of hydrogen ions through the ATP
synthase channel triggers the synthesis of ATP from ADP. The ATP
contains high-energy phosphate bonds.
6. Meanwhile, photon is also absorbed and energy is passed on from one
pigment molecule to another until the energy reaches the reaction center
complex of Photosystem I. The energy excites the electron present in the
pair of P700 chlorophyll a located here. The excited electron is then
transferred to a primary electron acceptor, making the P700 positively
charged and now seeking electrons to fill up the missing ones. This is
filled up by the electrons from Photosystem II that are passed on through
the electron transport chain.
7. The photo-excited electron from the primary electron acceptor of
Photosystem I enters another electron transfer chain, passing the
electron to an iron-containing protein called ferredoxin (Fd).
8. An enzyme, the NADP+ reductase, then transfers the electron to

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 NADP+ and stabilizes it by adding a proton (H+) to form NADPH. NADPH
is then released to the stroma and becomes part of the Calvin Cycle.

Figure 3: Cyclic Electron Flow

Cyclic Electron Flow

Aside from the usual route of electron flow as described in the events
of the light reactions (i.e., noncyclic or linear electron flow), photoexcited
electrons may take a short-circuited route which utilizes Photosystem I but
not Photosystem II. The ferrodoxin goes back to the cycle and passes the
electron to the cytochrome complex and to the Pc until it reaches P700
chlorophyll instead of transferring the electron to NADP+reductase. Due to
this event, no NADPH is produced but ATP is still synthesized.

Activity 2:

Directions: Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

1. If a plant receives only green light, how will this affect

photosynthesis?
2. Most carnivorous plants thrive in the dark forest floor. Is there a
relationship between carnivory and thriving in the shade?

Enrichment Activity 1
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Directions: Given the terms below, construct a crossword puzzle. Be sure that
you provide a description for each term. Use a separate sheet of paper for your
answer.

Carbon dioxide Photon Ferredoxin

Water P680 NADPH

Glucose Plastoquinone

Oxygen Plastocyanin

Crossword puzzle (20 points)

1 point per term included in the puzzle

Descriptions:
1 point per correct description

Enrichment Activity 2: Sentence Completion

Directions: Complete the sentences below to come up with correct concepts
about photosynthesis. (5 pts.) is the process by which green plants
harness light energy
from the sun to convert it to the chemical energy of sugar. The use of and
water during photosynthesis results in the manufacture of and oxygen gas
(as by-product). Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and magnesium are
the major essential nutrients needed by plants. Photosynthesis may be
divided into two phases: the
that occurs in the granum and requires the presence of light energy; and the
light-independent phase/Calvin cycle or carbon
fixation that occurs in the
with or without light.

Deepen

Directions: Describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction

events by making a diagram. The scoring rubric on will be used in assessing
your output.

Rubric

Diagram Below Average Above Excellent Scor

Average

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 Average e
Diagram Few required Some Most required All required
components items are required items are items are
represented items are represented represented on
on diagram represent d on diagram diagram
(1-3 points) on diagram (7-8 points) (9-10 points)
(4-6 points)
Text and Few labels Some labels Most labels All labels are
labels (1-3 points) (4-6 points) are present present and
and some styles and
styles and effects are
effects are applied
applied (9-10 points)
(7-8 points)
Creativity Diagram Diagram Creative Highly
and appearance appearance diagram creative,
shows least meets lesson (7-8 points) exceptional
Appearance effort requirements diagram
required (4-6 points) (9-10 points)
(1-3 points)

Total Score

Lesson Photosynthesis:
The Dark Reaction
2 Events/Calvin Cycle

Jumpstart

Although the generalized equation of photosynthesis shows

that light is a requirement, light energy is actually used only during the first
phase, which is the light-dependent phase. The light-independent phase
involves the use of NADPH and ATP for the conversion of carbon dioxide into
carbohydrates.

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Activity 1:
Directions: Analyze the picture and write a short description on it.

Figure 4: Two Stages of Photosynthesis

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 Discover
Core Concepts:
a. The sugar that is produced in the Calvin Cycle is not the
sixcarbon glucose that we are familiar with. This is formed later
on. What is produced in the Calvin Cycle is a three-carbon sugar
known as G3P or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.
b. The Calvin Cycle needs to ‘spin’ three times to make one
molecule of G3P from three molecules of CO2.
Three Phases of Calvin Cycle:
Carbon Fixation
c. Carbon fixation is a process of incorporating an inorganic carbon
molecule, CO2, into an organic material.
d. In this phase, the CO2 molecule is attached to a five-carbon
sugar molecule named ribulose biphosphate (RuBP) aided by an
enzyme named rubisco or RuBP carboxylase. Rubisco is believed
to be the most abundant protein in the chloroplast and maybe on
Earth.
e. The resulting product, a six-carbon sugar, is extremely
unstable and immediately splits in half. The split forms two
molecules of a 3- phosphoglycerate (3-carbon).
Reduction
f. A phosphate group (from ATP) is then attached to each 3-
phosphoglycerate by an enzyme, forming 1,3-phosphoglycerate.

• NADPH swoops in and reduces 1,3-biphosphogycerate to G3P.

g. For every six G3Ps produced by the Calvin Cycle, five are
recycled to regenerate three molecules of RuBP. Only one G3P
leaves the cycle to be packaged for use by the cell.
h. It will take two molecules of G3P to make one molecule of
glucose.
i. The ADP and NADP+ that is formed during the Calvin Cycle will
be transported back to the thylakoid membrane and will enter
the light reactions. Here, they will be ‘recharged’ with energy
and become ATP and NADPH.
Regeneration of RuBP
j. Five molecules of G3P undergo a series of complex enzymatic
reactions to form three molecules of RuBP. This costs the cell
another three molecules of AT, but also provides another set of
RuBP to continue the cycle.

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 What happens to G3P after its release from the cycle?
k. Two G3Ps can combine together to form either glucose or
fructose which are both are six-carbon sugar.
l. Glucose and fructose can be combined to form sucrose.
m. Glucose can be connected in chains to form starch.
n. G3Ps can also be used in lipid and protein synthesis.
The cost of making carbohydrate:
To make one molecule of G3P, the chloroplast needs:
o. 3 molecules of CO2
p. 9 molecules of ATP
q. 6 molecules of NADPH

Figure 5: The Calvin Cycle

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Enrichment Activity 1
Directions: Label diagram showing the stages of the Calvin cycle.

Stage 1:

Stage 3:
Stage 2:

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Enrichment Activity 2
Directions: Complete the table below.

Calvin Cycle Accounting

Per Turn 3 Turns 6 Turns

Consume CO2
Consume ATP
Consume NADPH
Produces G3P
Produces Glucose

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 Deepen

Directions: Describe the significant events of the Calvin by making a diagram.

The scoring rubric below will be used in assessing your output.

Rubric

Below Above
Diagram Average Excellent Score
Average Average

Diagram Few required Some Most All required

components items are required required items are
represented items are items are represented on
on represente represented diagram
diagram d on on diagram
(1-3 points) diagram (4- (7-8 points) (9-10 points)
6 points)

Text and Few labels Some labels Most All labels are
labels labels are present and
present and styles and
some styles effects are
and effects applied
are applied

(7-8 points)
(9-10 points)
(1-3 points) (4-6 points)

Creativity Diagram Diagram Creative Highly

and appearance appearance diagram creative,
Appearance shows least meets lesson exceptional
effort requirements diagram
required

(1-3 points) (4-6 points) (7-8 points) (9-10 points)

Total Score

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 Gauge
Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your
answers. Write only the letter of the best answer for each test item in a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which equation describes the chemical reaction of photosynthesis? A. 6 CO 2

+ 6 H20 C6H12O6 + 6 O2
B. CHO + 02 CO2 + H20
C. CO + HO CHO + O
D. CO2 + H20 C6H12O6 + 6 O2

2. Which equation describes the chemical reaction of respiration?

A. CO2 + H20 CHO + 02
B. C6H12O6 + 2 6 O 6 CO2 + 6 H20
C. CO + HO CHO + O
D. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 CO2 + H20

3. Which of the following DOES NOT happen during photosynthesis? A. Carbon

dioxide enters the leaf through holes called pistil.
B. CO2 combines with the stored energy in the chloroplasts
through a chemical reaction to make glucose.
C. The sugar is moved through tubes in the leaf to the roots,
stems and fruits of the plants.
D. Some of the sugar is used right away by the plant for energy;
some is stored as starch; and some is built into plant tissue.

4. Which is true about the photosynthetic pigments? A. There is only one kind of
chlorophyll.
B. Chlorophyll absorb mostly green light.
C. Chlorophyll is required in the Calvin cycle.
D. Chlorophyll is formed in the membrane of thylakoids.

5. Which describes carbon fixation?

A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds

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6. Which describes the regeneration of RuBP?
A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds

7. Three turns of Calvin cycle are necessary to produce one net gain of
PGAL. Five PGAL molecules are required to regenerate 3 molecules of
RuBP. During the three turns how many molecules of ATP and NADPH are
use up?
A. 3, 6
B. 6, 9
C. 9, 6
D. 6, 3

For numbers 8 – 9, refer to the choices inside the box:

I. Optimally absorbs photons of wavelength of 700 nm.

II. Electron trapped by P680 are energized by light.
III. Responsible in for providing low energy electrons with which to reduce
NADP+ to produce NADPH to be used in the Calvin cycle.
IV. Electrons are energized by sunlight and passed to a secondary
electron acceptor.

8. Which of the following describes Photosystem I?

A. I B. III C. II D. IV

9. Which of the following describes Photosystem II?

A. I B. II C. III D. IV

10. Which describes carbon fixation?

A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds.

[Link] describes the regeneration of RuBP?

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 A. The conversion process of inorganic carbon to organic compounds
by living organisms.
B. The conversion process of organic carbon to inorganic compounds
by living organisms.
C. It forms a 6-carbon compound immediately converted into 2 three-
carbon compounds.
D. It forms 5-carbon compound immediately converted into 3 two-
carbon compounds

12. Which describes the second stage of the Calvin cycle?

A. The enzyme RuBisCo incorporates carbon dioxide into an organic
molecule.
B. The organic molecule is reduced.
C. RuBP is regenerated.
D. None of the above.

13. PGAL is a substance used by plants to make other organic subtances. An

example of these organic substances synthesized by plants is glucose. To
make one glucose molecule, a 6 – carbon sugar, two molecules of PGAL
are linked. How many turns of Calvin cycle is then needed?
A. 1 B. 3 C. 6 D. 12

For number 14-15, refer to the choices below:

I.
ATP and NADPH are continuously produced that then triggers the
synthesis of three carbon sugar from carbon dioxide.
II. Four hydrogen ions will be added in the thylakoid space that makes
the environment high in Hydrogen concentration.
III. It is the initial step in the process of photosynthesis by which plants
can store energy from sunlight.
IV. In this process, light energy is converted to chemical energy in the
form of energy reserving molecules ATP and NADPH.

14. Which of the following describes light reaction?

A. I and II B. I only C. II and III D. III and IV

15. Which of the following describes light dependent reaction?

A.I and II B. I only C. II and III D. III and IV

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