lysfangstkomplekser

Lysfangstkomplekser, also known as light-harvesting complexes, are protein-pigment complexes that play a crucial role in photosynthesis. They are found in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts in plants and algae, and in the cell membranes of photosynthetic bacteria. The primary function of these complexes is to efficiently capture light energy from the sun and transfer it to a reaction center, where it can be converted into chemical energy.

These complexes contain a variety of pigment molecules, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are bound to specific proteins. Each pigment molecule absorbs light at different wavelengths, allowing the light-harvesting complex to capture a broad spectrum of light. The pigments are arranged in a specific three-dimensional structure that facilitates the efficient transfer of excitation energy from one pigment molecule to another, ultimately reaching the reaction center.

There are typically two main types of light-harvesting complexes: photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI). PSII is responsible for the initial capture of light energy and the splitting of water molecules, releasing oxygen and protons. PSI absorbs light energy and uses it to reduce NADP+ to NADPH, another energy-carrying molecule. The coordinated action of these two photosystems, along with the light-harvesting complexes, drives the process of photosynthesis. The efficient energy transfer within light-harvesting complexes is a remarkable example of natural molecular engineering.