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What is the full form of P680?

Published in Photosynthesis 1 min read

The full form of P680 is photosystem II primary donor.

P680 is a crucial component in the process of photosynthesis, specifically within photosystem II (PSII). Here's a breakdown:

  • Photosystem II (PSII): One of the two protein complexes (the other being Photosystem I) in the thylakoid membranes of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that carries out the primary photochemistry of photosynthesis.

  • Primary Donor: Refers to the initial molecule that donates electrons in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

  • Chlorophyll a Molecular Dimer: P680 is a special pair of chlorophyll a molecules that resides in the reaction center of photosystem II. It's this pair that absorbs light energy most efficiently at a wavelength of approximately 680 nm (hence the "680" in P680).

In summary, P680, or photosystem II primary donor, is the reaction-center chlorophyll a molecular dimer associated with photosystem II in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, and central to oxygenic photosynthesis. It plays a key role in the initial steps of converting light energy into chemical energy by donating electrons.

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