GENERAL BIOLOGY 1 (SHS)

SECOND QUARTER
Module 2

The Two Shades of Green:

Photosynthesis’ Light and Dark Reactions

Most Essential Learning Competencies:

 Describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction events

 Describe the significant events of the Calvin cycle

To the Learners
Read and understand the following instructions below. Always remember the

F.O.C.U.S. rule. It will guide you to successfully finish and fully understand the lessons.

1. Follow all the instructions indicated in every activity. This module contains

different assessment activities that will help you to master the lesson.

2. Observe proper attitude and demonstrate honesty at ALL times. Let your guardian

act as facilitator in assessing your answer using the answer key card.

3. Completely answer and perform all the activities provided.

4. Utilize and manage the time given for you to learn the lesson. Manage your time

effectively and efficiently.

5. Study wisely. Think creatively and critically. Make learning a fun experience.

By following these instructions, you will experience learning while

enjoying. Let’s get started and always remember to stay FOCUS.
 Expectations
In this lesson, you are expected to:

 describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction events;

 describe the significant events of the Calvin cycle; and

 determine the number of cycles needed to produce a glucose molecule; and

 compare and contrast light and dark reactions.

Let the two shades of green be seen. Get ready for your first task—Pre-test!

Pre-Test

Directions: Read and analyze the questions carefully. Write the letter of the BEST
answer on the blank provided before each number.

1. Which of the following refers to the light-driven process in which light energy is
being converted to chemical energy?
A. cellular respiration C. photophosphorylation
B. glycolysis D. photosynthesis

2. What is/are the product/s of light reaction used as precursors of dark reaction?

A. ATP B. NADPH C. both A and B D. glucose

3. In Calvin cycle, what is name of enzyme that attaches C-atom to RuBP?

A. ADP B. G3P C. PGAL D. Rubisco

4. What is/are the pattern/s of electron flow in light reactions of photosynthesis?

A. photolysis C. linear photophosphorylation

B. cyclic photophosphorylation D. cyclic & non-cyclic photophosphorylation

5. How many times must the Calvin cycle run in order to yield one glucose molecule?

A. 3 B. 6 C. 9 D. 12

Looking Back
Direction: Complete the table below by completing the information required.

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 Major Chlorophyll Description Color Function and
Pigments reflected Importance
1. Chlorophyll a

2. Chlorophyll b

3. Carotenoids

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 Brief Introduction
Imagine if plants, trees, phytoplankton and other photosynthetic organisms can
give us wifi services, probably, most people would take time to read and understand its
features. Too bad, these photosynthetic organisms only offer photosynthetic services to
produce the oxygen we breath—one of the very reasons why life on earth exists.

The etymology of the word photosynthesis rooted from its prefix photo, a Greek
word meaning light and synthesis meaning putting together. Thereby indicating that
photosynthesis is a series of processes that converts light energy to chemical energy. In
this process, the carbon dioxide (CO2) with the presence of water (H 2O) as reactants,
will be assembled. Thus, producing a six-carbon glucose molecule (C6H12O6) and other
types of stored energy in the form of sugar and oxygen gas (O 2) as byproducts of the
reaction. The photosynthetic reaction is summarized using the chemical equation as
follows:

6 CO2 + 6 H2O  C 6H12O6 + 6 O2

Inside the chloroplast (major site for

photosynthesis) two stages occur: the light
reactions (light-dependent reactions) and dark
reactions (light-independent reactions). The
light energy in the form of photon strikes
the light-harvesting complexes and clusters of
pigments and proteins called photosystems. Figure 2.1 Overview of Photosynthesis. In the chloroplast, two
photosynthetic reactions occur. In light reaction, light energy

Basically, the name of photosystem is not

drives the formation of ATP and NADPH and releasing O2 as
byproduct. In dark reactions, the energy from ATP and NADPH
drives the production of sugar (glucose) from H2O and CO2.
according to its order during the process but
according to the order of discovery. Therefore,
photosystem I was first discovered before
photosystem II. But during the process, PS II
comes first before PS I. The excited electron drives out of the photosystems through a
cyclic or non-cyclic photophosphorylation.

During light reactions (the first stage of photosynthesis), the excited electrons will
pass from the reaction center of PS II to a series of proteins called electron transport
chain (ETC). As these electrons pass through the ETC, the energy from electron will be
utilized to pump H+ from the stroma to the thylakoid, which will create a concentration
gradient. The gradient powers a protein called ATP synthase which attaches inorganic
phosphate (Pi) and ADP to form ATP. At this point, electrons which have left PS II
will have low energy after passing through ETC but will be reenergized eventually in PS I
to form NADPH from the electron carrier called NADP. The electrons lost by PS II will
not return to PS II and will end up in NADPH, an electron donor molecule that will
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deliver the electron to the synthesis stage in the stroma (dark reaction) and will be
replaced by a process called photolysis. It is a light-driven process in which the light
energy breaks down a molecule. In this case, the H2O splits into H+ and oxygen gas (O2)
as a byproduct.

When there is an abundant supply of photons, the light reactions will produce
ATP and NADPH continuously. These will be used as precursors to power the Calvin
cycle reaction—the second phase and the synthesis stage of photosynthesis. It is also
known as carbon reactions or dark reactions since it occurs regardless of the absence of
sunlight (light-independent) as long as the ATP supply is adequate. At this point, the
products of the light reactions (ATP and NADPH) and CO 2 (which entered through the
stomata of leaves) will be utilized to synthesize sugar molecules. The Calvin cycle consists
of several processes namely: carbon fixation, PGAL synthesis, and RuBP regeneration. The
cycle must run 6 times to produce one molecule of glucose.

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 Activity 1
Mechanical Analogy of Light Reactions:
Cyclic and Non-Cyclic Phosphorylation
Direction: Analyze the diagrams presented and answer the guide questions. Write your
answer on the space provided.

Hint: Photophosphorylation refers to the use of light energy to attach phosphate

to a molecule. In photosynthesis, it involves the conversion of ADP to ATP.

Part I
Cyclic
Photophosphorylation Guide Questions:

1. What is the type of photosystem where cyclic

photophosphorylation occurs?
2. Which key component of photosynthesis
drives off electrons from photosystem I?
3. What happens to the electron as photon
strikes PS I?
4. Upon leaving the photosystem I, where does
the electron pass through?
5. What is the pattern of electron flow in this
type of photophosphorylation? Why do you think
so?
6. What is the product produced in cyclic
photophosphorylation?

Part II
Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Guide Questions:

1. What is/are the type of

photosystem/s where non-cyclic
photophosphorylation occurs?

2. Which key component of

photosynthesis drives off
electrons from photosystems?

3. Where does the reaction occur

first?
Illustrations adapted from: [Link] › higher-ed › course-
4. What happens to the electron products › pdf
[Link]

as photon strikes photosystem II?

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5. Upon leaving the PS II, where
does the electron pass through
and end up?
6. Is it possible that the excited
electron that left PSII will return to PSII? Why or why not?

7. How does the electron supply sustained if the electron from PS II ended up in NAPDH?

8. What is the pattern of electron flow in this type of photophosphorylation?

9. What protein enzyme produces ATP by adding phosphate to ADP? What do you call
this process?
10. What is/are the product/s produced in non-cyclic reaction?

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 Activity 2
Trace the Flow of Electron:
Light Reaction’s Cyclic and Non-Cyclic Flow
Direction: For Part I, label the components involved in light reactions. Write your
answer on the space provided. For Part II, trace the flow of electrons during light
reactions. Use black or blue pen for tracing the cyclic flow and red pen for non-cyclic
flow. To answer, refer to the hints provided to be guided accordingly. Afterwards,
describe the pattern of electron flow for both cyclic and linear or non-cyclic
photophosphorylation.

HINTS

Part I: Supply and Check the Label of Components involved in Light Reactions

1. During light reactions, this is where the initial stage of non-cyclic

photophosphorylation occurs.
2. It pertains to the series of proteins that shuttles electrons and utilizes its energy.
3. This is the only type of photosystem that is involved in cyclic photophosphorylation.
4. It pertains to the series of proteins that shuttles electrons and utilizes its energy.
5. It is a reducing agent (electron donor) molecule that delivers the electron to the
synthesis stage in the stroma (dark reaction).
6. It is one of the requirements or reactants needed in photosynthesis that undergoes
photolysis.
7. It is an enclosed space by the thylakoid membrane.
8. It is the fluid found inside the chloroplast where dark reactions occur.
9. It is a product of photolysis and diffuses out of the cell as a byproduct of
photosynthesis.
10. It is a lipid bilayer where the protein complexes involved in light reactions are
embedded.
11. It is an enzyme-powered gradient that propels H+ across the membrane to form ATP.
12. It is an energy carrier; product of light reactions and reactant of dark reactions.

Part II: Trace the Flow of electrons in Light Reactions

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1. Linear or non-cyclic photophosphorylation
Group of pigments and light-harvesting complexes (A)  Pq  Cytochrome complex
 Pc  Group of pigments and light-harvesting complexes (B)  Fd  FNR

2. Cyclic photophosphorylation
Group of pigments and light-harvesting complexes  Fd  Cytochrome complex  Pc
 Group of pigments and light-harvesting complexes (go back from the beginning a
n
d
repeat the process)

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 Activity 3
Lightening the Darkness of
Dark Reaction

Direction: For Part I, read the information about dark reactions and analyze the given
diagram below. Take note of the hints provided to direct you to the correct answer.
Choose the molecule involved on each process on the Calvin’s box and draw it on the
box provided on the cycle diagram. Afterwards, answer the guide questions on Part II.

Part I: Supply the Right Molecules!

Phase I: Carbon Fixation
In dark reactions, initially, an enzyme called RuBisCo (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate
carboxylase) attaches the diffused (A) on the stroma to (F) , a 5-carbon
molecule with 2 phosphate group attached to the 1st and 5th carbon. Thus, forming
(B) , a six carbon molecule that splits right away.

Phase 2: PGAL Synthesis

Due to the splitting of unstable molecule, the (C) will be formed and it will utilize
the products from light reactions (ATP and NADPH) to get a phosphate group from
ATP
plus hydrogen and electrons from NADPH. This will result to (D) . The two
(E.1) from (D) will combine to form glucose.

Phase 3: Regeneration of RuBP

At the same time, the remaining (E.2) will regenerate to form the starting molecule
(F) , thereby, perpetuating the cycle.

Calvin’s Box

This illustration shows the summary of six turns of

the Calvin cycle, resulting to one glucose molecule. 5
 Part II: Guide Questions

1. What part of the chloroplast does dark reaction occur?

2. Enumerate the three phases of Calvin cycle.

3. What is the enzyme-mediated reaction that attaches carbon dioxide to RuBP?

4. How is the PGAL or G3P form from PGA?

5. How is RuBP regenerated in the process?

6. Based on the diagram provided, how many ATP and NADPH are needed to yield one

glucose molecule?

7. How many runs does it take to produce one glucose molecule?

8. What powers the Calvin cycle if this reaction simultaneously occurs during the

daytime and can continue to produce glucose even at nighttime?

Remember
 Photosynthesis is a light-driven series of processes that converts light energy to

chemical energy by utilizing water, carbon dioxide, and light energy to produce

glucose and oxygen as byproduct.

 Photosystem refers to the light-harvesting complexes and cluster of pigments and

proteins that absorbs and utilizes light energy to initiate photosynthesis.

 Light reactions is a light-dependent process in which light energy with the presence of

water is being utilized to produce ATP, an energy carrier molecule and NADPH, an

electron donor molecule that will deliver the electron to the synthesis stage in the

stroma (dark reaction).

 Photophosphorylation refers to the use of light energy to attach phosphate to a

molecule. In photosynthesis, it involves the conversion of ADP to ATP. Its two types

are cyclic photophosphorylation and linear or non-cyclic photophosphorylation.

 Photolysis is a light-driven process in which the water molecules (H 2O) splits into H+

and O2 as a byproduct. Thus, supplying electrons in light reactions.

 Dark reactions often have various names such as light-independent reaction, carbon

reactions, and Calvin cycle. This is the synthesis stage of photosynthesis in which the

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 products of the light reactions (ATP and NADPH) and CO 2 will be utilized to

synthesize sugar molecules. The cycle must run 6 times to produce one molecule of

glucose.

 Carbon fixation is an enzyme-mediated reaction of Calvin cycle in which the RuBisCo

attaches CO2 to RuBP, creating an unstable molecule.

 PGAL synthesis is the splitting of the unstable intermediate form forming PGAL. The

energy used in this process came from the products of light reactions (ATP and

NADPH).

 RuBP regeneration pertains to the phase in which RuBP is regenerated by rearranging

the remaining molecules used to form glucose.

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 Check Your Understanding
Direction: Compare and contrast the two stages of photosynthesis.

Point of Comparison Light Reaction Dark Reaction

1. Description of the process

2. Sunlight Dependence
3. Time of the day of
occurrence

4. Site or location of process

5. Sources of energy
6. Reactants
7. Products

8. Type of process involve

9. Occurrence of photolysis
of water
[Link] of
photophosphorylation

Post-Test
Direction: Read and analyze the questions carefully. Write the letter of the BEST answer
on the blank provided before each number.

1. What are the final products of photosynthesis?

A. glucose and oxygen C. water and oxygen
B. glucose and carbon dioxide D. water and carbon dioxide

2. In light reactions, which of the following is the process of splitting of H 2O

and H+, thus, supplying electrons to PS II?
A. photolysis C. linear photophosphorylation
B. cyclic photophosphorylation D. cyclic & non-cyclic photophosphorylation

3. If electron does not return to PS II during non-cyclic photophosphorylation of

light reactions, how does PS II sustain its supply of electrons?
A. through photolysis of water C. through light energy or photons
B. through photophosphorylation D. through repetitive turns of Calvin cycle

4. Why does Calvin cycle is also referred as light-independent or dark reaction?

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 A It only occurs at nighttime.
B. It happens in the dark area.
C. It occurs both day and night if there is an enough supply of ATP.
D. This process only happens under special conditions and requirements.

5. What is the stage of the Calvin cycle in which CO 2 is being attach to RuBP?
A. carbon fixation C. RuBP regeneration
B. PGAL synthesis D. Non-cyclic photophosphorylation

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 Reflection
Concept Mapping

Direction: Create your own concept map that shows the significance of the light and
dark reactions and how photosynthesis powers life on earth. Do this on the space
provided below and answer the guide questions. Refer to the rubric provided to be
properly guided on how you will be graded accordingly.

Criteria Percentage
Accuracy and Content 50%
Presentation and Creativity 30%
Originality 20%
Total 100%

Guide Questions:

1. Using 3-5 sentences, briefly explain your output.

2. How did the topic change the way you perceive photosynthesis as an abstract process
to a more concrete and meaningful process?

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3. What are the learnings that you gained from this module? How will you impart these
meaningful insights to others?

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