During photosynthesis, the oxidation of water (to produce oxygen and supply electrons to replenish those that are excited in non-cyclic photophosphorylation) occurs in this protein complex in the thylakoid membranes:
The photolysis or oxidation of water occurs by a protein complex called as Oxygen evolving complex (OEC). This complex is located in photosystem II (PSII) in the thylakoid membrane. Splitting of two water molecules yields four electrons, four protons and molecular oxygen.
2H2O 4H+ + 4e- + O2
The electrons are then passed to PSII one by one through a series of oxidation states of the OEC. An electron carrier called Yz carrier functions between OEC and PSII.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.