PHOTOSYNTHESIS:

LIGHT AND DARK REACTION

EVENTS
for General Biology 1 Grade 11
Quarter 2 / Week 2

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 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit (SLK) is designed to serve as an

instructional material for learners in understanding light-
dependent and light independent reactions the constitutes
the whole process of photosynthesis.

Learners will be able to enrich their prior knowledge in

photosynthesis and realize its role in sustaining life processes.

The activities and illustrations included in this SLK will help

learners understand further the topic in an engaging manner.

This SLK is humbly dedicated to our learners who are at

the center of the learning process. We wish that this SLK will
be of great help in addressing their educational needs given
the circumstances we are facing today. Furthermore, we
hope that the content of this SLK will be fully understood and
be applied by learners in their day to day living.

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 LESSON
DESCRIBING THE PATTERNS OF ELECTRON FLOW
1 THROUGH LIGHT REACTION EVENTS

OBJECTIVES:

K: Describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction events

S: Complete the electron transport chain diagram for light-dependent
reactions
A: Recognize the importance of light-dependent reactions of
photosynthesis in living things

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Describe the patterns of electron flow through light reaction events

(STEM_BIO11/12-IIa-j-4)

I. WHAT HAPPENED

Hi! How are you today?

It’s another day of learning, and I’m

so excited to discuss to you this
familiar yet interesting topic.

Join me to another meaningful

journey of learning.

So, let’s get started!

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PRE-ACTIVITY:
ACTIVITY 1

Complete Me. Identify the parts of the image in order to complete the
description. Write your answers on the space provided.

Photosynthesis is a process of making food in plants. Plants use

(1)________from the sun, along with (2)_____ in the soil and a gas called
(3)________ to make (4)___________. During this process, (5)_______ is
released into the air.

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II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The pre-activity gives us an idea on

the concept of photosynthesis.
Can you define what photosynthesis
is? What are the stages involved in
photosynthesis?
What do you think will happen if
leaves receive no sunlight?
The first stage of photosynthesis will be
discussed today. Check whether your
answers to the questions are correct
by reading and understanding
carefully the next pages.

DISCUSSION:

Life on Earth is powered by solar energy. The process

through which light energy is converted into chemical energy
stored in sugar and other molecules is called photosynthesis.
Organisms acquire organic compounds for energy by one of the
two major modes: heterotrophic nutrition or autotrophic nutrition.
Heterotrophs are unable to make their own food, and they live on
compounds produced by other organisms (hetero means "other").
They are the biosphere's consumers. Most fungi and many types of
prokaryotes and humans are heterotrophs. On the other hand,
autotrophs are "self-feeders (auto means "self" and trophos means
"feed"). They are organisms that can produce their own food and
feed themselves without the help of any other organisms. Almost
all plants are autotrophs (producers of the biosphere). Plants are
specifically photoautotrophs, organisms that use light as a source
of energy to synthesize organic substances.

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 Plant Cell Chloroplasts

Plant cells have different types of plastids that can

harvest solar energy, store nutrients, and manufacture nutrient
molecules. The most common type of plastid is the chloroplast.
Chloroplasts are responsible for the trapping of light energy in a
chemical form and contain the green pigment called chlorophyll
(Figure 1). All green parts of a plant have chloroplasts. In most
plants, the leaves are the major sites of photosynthesis. It is the
light energy absorbed by chlorophyll that drives the synthesis of
organic molecules in the chloroplast. Chloroplasts are found
mainly in the cells of the mesophyll, the tissue in the interior of the
leaf. This layer contains tiny openings called stomata where gases,
carbon dioxide and oxygen, enter and exit the leaves.
Chloroplasts have a double membrane: inner membrane and
outer membrane. The inner membrane holds a thick fluid called
the stroma, where tiny disc-shaped interconnected membranous
sacs called thylakoids are suspended. Thylakoids enclose another
internal compartment called thylakoid space. In some places,
thylakoid sacs are stacked in columns called grana (singular:
granum). The green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light,
resides in the thylakoid membranes. Light-absorbing molecules
called photosystems are also embedded in the thylakoid
membrane.

Figure 1. Structure of a plant cell chloroplast. Source:

fig.cox.miami.edu

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Light-Dependent Reactions

The sun emits energy through electromagnetic

radiation. This electromagnetic radiation exists in various
wavelengths. One type emitted by the sun is visible light, while
another type includes X-rays and ultraviolet radiation that can be
harmful. Some organisms like green plants, algae, and
cyanobacteria contain chlorophyll a pigment which is responsible
for photosynthesis. Photosynthetic plants have a mixture of
different pigments in their leaves giving plant flexibility in
absorbing energy from a wide range of visible light wavelengths.

Photosynthesis involves two stages. The first stage is

light-dependent reaction, and the second stage is Calvin cycle
(note that only the first stage will be discussed in this learning
material).

The light reactions are the steps of photosynthesis that

convert solar energy to chemical energy. The following are the
processes that occur in light-dependent reactions (Figures 2 and
3):

1. The reaction begins in a group of pigments and

proteins called photosystem. Photosystems exist in the membranes
of thylakoids, i.e., photosystem II and photosystem I in eukaryotes
and some prokaryotes. A pigment molecule in the photosystem
absorbs individual light packet called photon. As the photon of
light travels and reaches a molecule of chlorophyll in photosystem
II, the electrons become excited (Figure 2). Photosystem II transfers
the free electrons along a series of proteins called electron
transport chain.

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 Figure 2. Absorption of energy by a
chlorophyll molecule.
Source: opentextbc.ca

2. Energy from the electrons fuel membrane pumps

that move hydrogen ions against the concentration gradient from
the stroma to the thylakoid space. As the energy is used, electrons
will be accepted by another pigment molecule in photosystem I,
causing them to break away from the atom of the chlorophyll
molecule. Water is split, providing a source of electrons and
protons (hydrogen ions, H+ - continues to be used in the process)
and giving off O2 as a by-product.

3. Two carrier molecules absorb more energy:

adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Hydrogen ion build up in the
concentration gradient allows potential energy to be harvested
and stored as chemical energy in ATP through the
transmembrane ATP synthase. The process wherein hydrogen ions
move through ATP synthase is called chemiosmosis, i.e., ions
move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration across a semipermeable membrane. Another
function of the light-dependent stage is the generation of
another energy carrier which is NADPH. As the electrons from the
electron transport chain reach photosystem I, these are re-
excited by another photon captured by chlorophyll. NADPH is
formed from NADP+ and hydrogen ions fuelled by the energy
carried by the electrons. Now that the solar energy is stored in
energy carriers, it can be used to make a sugar molecule.

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Figure 3. Light-dependent reactions. Source: opentextbc.ca

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 ACTIVITY 2

A. Label and Connect Me. Choose from the words

inside the box to label the diagram below, and draw
a line to indicate the path of electrons in the electron
transport chain.

Photosystem I Cytochrome
ATP Synthase
Photosystem II

Modified from Photosynthesis Student Worksheet

www.BioInteractive.org

B. Answer Me. Answer the following questions. Write your

answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Describe the patterns of electron flow through light

reaction events.

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2. Discuss the importance of light-dependent reactions of
photosynthesis in living things.

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

Great job, dear STEM students! You

have accomplished successfully the
given activities. Now, it is time to test
your knowledge on the things you have
learned today by accomplishing the
tasks below.

EVALUATION/POST-TEST:

TASK A
Modified True or False. Indicate whether the statement is
True or False. If false, change the underlined word(s) to make
the statement correct.
_________1. Photosystems are clusters of chlorophyll and
proteins.
_________2. The light-dependent reactions begin when
photosystem I absorbs light.
_________3. The products of light-dependent reaction are
CO2, ATP, and NADPH.
_________4. The difference in charges across the thylakoid
membrane provides the energy to make ATP.
_________5. ATP and NADPH are two types of protein carriers.

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 TASK B

Arrange Me. Arrange the sequence of events in light-

dependent reactions in an ascending order. Write the letters
only on a separate sheet of paper.

a. Two carrier molecules absorb more energy: ATP and

NADPH.
b. Photosystem II absorbs light and increases the
electrons’ energy level.
c. Electrons will be accepted by another pigment
molecule in photosystem I, causing them to break
away from the atom of the chlorophyll molecule.
d. Electrons are passed to the electron transport chain.
e. Energy from the electrons is used by proteins in the
chain to pump H+ ions from the stroma into the
thylakoid space.

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REFERENCES

Campbell, Neil A., Reece, Jane B. , Lisa A., Urry,

Cain, Michael L., Wasserman, Steven A., Minorsky,
Peter V., and Jackson, Robert B. Biology, 8th Edition.
Pearson Education, Inc.: San Francisco, 2008

Morales-Ramos AC, Ramos JD. Exploring life through

science series. Senior High School, General Biology I.
Phoenix Publishing House: Quezon City, Metro
Manila, 2017

Photosynthesis student worksheet.

www.BioInteractive.org

The process of photosynthesis. Workbook A.

Copyright by Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates.
www.esalq.usp.br

The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

opentextbc.ca

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SYNOPSIS
This self-learning kit
contains discussions and activities
based on the competency
“Describe the patterns of electron
flow through light reaction
events” in General Biology 1.
Learners are expected to
understand better the processes
involved in light-dependent
reactions especially on how
energy travels along the electron
transport chain, explain how light
is converted into chemical
energy, and discuss the
importance of light-dependent
reactions of photosynthesis in
living things. Their critical thinking
skills are very useful in
accomplishing the given tasks
and activities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIEZEL A. AGOR is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum
laude, at Negros Oriental State University, Main Campus I, Dumaguete
City in 2011. She was a recipient of the DOST-SEI scholarship grant under
R.A. 7687. She earned units in education in the same school through
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program in 2016. At present,
she is a Special Science Teacher I handling Grade 11 students at Siaton
National High School and at the same time an adviser and Senior High
School Science coordinator.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

MARY JEAN M. ARBOLADO is an alumna of Sumaliring High School, batch
2018. She took up Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM)
strand in the said school and is an NCIII holder in Bookkeeping. She is
currently enrolled as a second year student taking up Bachelor of Science
in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies at Negros Oriental State
University, Siaton Campus.
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 LESSON
THE IMPORTANT EVENTS OF THE CALVIN CYCLE
2

OBJECTIVE:
K: Describe the important events of the Calvin Cycle
S: Draw and label the parts of the Calvin Cycle.
A: Recognize the importance of Calvin Cycle in living things

LEARNING COMPTENCY:
➢ Describe the important events of the Calvin Cycle.
STEM_BIO11/12- IIa-j-5

I. WHAT HAPPENED
Challenge Yourself
Activity 1:
Direction: True or False: Write T if the statement is correct and
F if the statement is wrong.
__________1. RuBisCO catalyzes a reaction between CO 2 and
RuBP.
__________ 2. The Calvin cycle refers to the light-independent
reactions in photosynthesis that take place in three key steps.
___________3. Light-independent reaction is an organic
substance that is involved in photosynthesis, reacts with
carbon dioxide to form 3-PGA.
____________4. ATP and NADPH use their stored energy to
convert the three-carbon compound, 3-PGA, into another
three-carbon compound called G3P.
____________5. The remaining G3P molecules regenerate
RuBP, which enables the system to prepare for the carbon-
fixation step.

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 II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Key Points

• The Calvin cycle refers to the light-independent reactions in

photosynthesis that take place in three key steps.
• Although the Calvin Cycle is not directly dependent on light,
it is indirectly dependent on light since the necessary energy
carriers (ATP and NADPH) are products of light-dependent
reactions.
• In fixation, the first stage of the Calvin cycle, light-
independent reactions are initiated; CO2 is fixed from an
inorganic to an organic molecule.
• In the second stage, ATP and NADPH are used to reduce 3-
PGA into G3P; then ATP and NADPH are converted to ADP
and NADP+, respectively.
• In the last stage of the Calvin Cycle, RuBP is regenerated,
which enables the system to prepare for more CO 2 to be
fixed.

Key Terms

• light-independent reaction: chemical reactions during

photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide and other
compounds into glucose, taking place in the stroma
• rubisco: (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase) a plant enzyme
which catalyzes the fixing of atmospheric carbon dioxide
during photosynthesis by catalyzing the reaction between
carbon dioxide and RuBP
• ribulose bisphosphate: an organic substance that is involved
in photosynthesis, reacts with carbon dioxide to form 3-PGA

After the energy from the sun is converted and

packaged into ATP and NADPH, the cell has the fuel needed
to build food in the form of carbohydrate molecules. The
carbohydrate molecules made will have a backbone of
carbon atoms. Where does the carbon come from? The
carbon atoms used to build carbohydrate molecules comes

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from carbon dioxide, the gas that animals exhale with each
breath. The Calvin cycle is the term used for the reactions of
photosynthesis that use the energy stored by the light-
dependent reactions to form glucose and other
carbohydrate molecules.

The Interworking of the Calvin Cycle

In plants, carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the chloroplast

through the stomata and diffuses into the stroma of the
chloroplast—the site of the Calvin cycle reactions where
sugar is synthesized. The reactions are named after the
scientist who discovered them, and reference the fact that
the reactions function as a cycle. Others call it the Calvin-
Benson cycle to include the name of another scientist

involved in its discovery (Figure 1).

Source:https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-biology1/chapter/the-
calvin-cycle/

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 The Calvin cycle reactions (Figure 2) can be organized
into three basic stages: fixation, reduction, and regeneration.
In the stroma, in addition to CO2, two other chemicals are
present to initiate the Calvin cycle: an enzyme abbreviated
RuBisCO, and the molecule ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).
RuBP has five atoms of carbon and a phosphate group on
each end.
RuBisCO catalyzes a reaction between CO2 and RuBP,
which forms a six-carbon compound that is immediately
converted into two three-carbon compounds. This process is
called carbon fixation, because CO2 is “fixed” from its
inorganic form into organic molecules.

ATP and NADPH use their stored energy to convert the

three-carbon compound, 3-PGA, into another three-carbon
compound called G3P. This type of reaction is called a
reduction reaction, because it involves the gain of electrons.
A reduction is the gain of an electron by an atom or
molecule. The molecules of ADP and NAD+, resulting from the
reduction reaction, return to the light-dependent reactions
to be re-energized.
One of the G3P molecules leaves the Calvin cycle to
contribute to the formation of the carbohydrate molecule,
which is commonly glucose (C6H12O6). Because the
carbohydrate molecule has six carbon atoms, it takes six
turns of the Calvin cycle to make one carbohydrate
molecule (one for each carbon dioxide molecule fixed). The
remaining G3P molecules regenerate RuBP, which enables
the system to prepare for the carbon-fixation step. ATP is also
used in the regeneration of RuBP.

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Source:https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-biology1/chapter/the-calvin-cycle/

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

Brain Challenge!
I. Direction: Draw and label the parts of the Calvin Cycle.

Rubrics:
All parts are properly labelled – 10
Completion -- 5
Creativity -- 5
Total 20

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II. Essay:
Direction: Describe the Calvin Cycle and its
importance.

Rubrics:
Application of the topic – 10
Clarity of answer -5
Total 15

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REFERENCES

Webpages:

ER Service sBiology 1 The Calvin Cycle:

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-
biology1/chapter/the-calvin-cycle/ (Accessed
November 4, 2020)

The Calvin Cycle:

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Book%3A
_Microbiology_(Boundless)/5%3A_Microbial_Metabolism/5.12
%3A_Biosynthesis/5.12C%3A_The_Calvin_Cycle (Accessed
November 11, 2020)

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 SYNOPSIS

This Self learning kit deals with

describing the important events of
the Calvin Cycle. The Calvin cycle
refers to the light-independent
reactions in photosynthesis that take
place in three key steps; carbon
fixation,reduction reactions, and 1,5
ribulose bisphosphate. (RuBP)
regeneration

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DEXTER JUNE G. TAGACTAC, is a licensed
professional teacher. He is a graduate of St. Paul
University Dumaguete, with the degree of Bachelor of
Secondary Education Major in Biological Science. He is
currently teaching at Negros Oriental High School as a
Senior High Science teacher. He is currently studying
Master of Arts in Science Teaching.

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, EdD, PhD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
EPS-Science/Math

ROSELA R. ABIERA
LR Manager

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian

LIEZEL A. AGOR
DEXTER JUNE G. TAGACTAC
Writers

MARY JEAN M. ARBOLADO

Illustrator

KOREN O. BALBUENA
Lay-out Artist
______________________________________________

ALPHA QA TEAM
LIELIN A. DE LA ZERNA
MA. OFELIA I. BUSCATO
THOMAS JOGIE U. TOLEDO
EUFRATES G. ANSOK JR.
LIEZEL A. AGOR

BETA QA TEAM
JUSTIN PAUL ARSENION C. KINAMOT
PETER PAUL A. PATRON
LIEZEL A. AGOR
THOMAS JOGIE TOLEDO
MARY JOYCEN A. ALAM-ALAM

DISCLAIMER
The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible learning
modality to the teachers and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of this module are carefully
researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the set learning competencies. The writers and evaluator were
clearly instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate this material. All content is
subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent from the division.

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