Photosystem

/ˈfoʊtoʊˌsɪstəm/ noun

Definition

A protein complex in the thylakoid membrane that captures light energy and converts it to chemical energy during photosynthesis. Plants have two types: Photosystem I and Photosystem II, which work together in the light reactions.

Etymology

Coined in the 1960s from Greek 'photos' meaning light and 'systema' meaning organized whole. The term reflects these organized molecular systems that harvest and process light energy.

Kelly Says

Photosystems are like solar panels made of proteins and chlorophyll - but instead of generating electricity, they capture sunlight and use it to strip electrons from water molecules, essentially turning H2O into the fuel that powers all life on Earth!

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