Class 11 Botany simulations · Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Light reaction: the Z scheme

Follow electrons from water through PS II and PS I to NADP⁺ in the thylakoid membrane, and protons through ATP synthase.

Open the simulation

What to notice

Splitting water releases O₂ and supplies electrons to PS II; the proton gradient across the thylakoid drives ATP synthesis.

Key relation

2H₂O → 4H⁺ + O₂ + 4e⁻ ; NADP⁺ + 2e⁻ + H⁺ → NADPH

Try this

Switch to cyclic photophosphorylation. What stops being produced?

What you can change

• Electron flow: choose Non-cyclic (PS II + PS I), Cyclic (PS I only)
• Light intensity: 0 to 100 %

More in Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

• C₃ vs C₄ plants and photorespiration
• Calvin cycle bookkeeping
• Limiting factors of photosynthesis

See all Class 11 Botany simulations or every Physica simulation.