Abstract

The absorption of photons by the antenna pigment-molecules of plants is the first step of the photosynthesis. This absorption leads to the excitation of the two reaction-centers P₇₀₀ and P₆₈₀ of Photosystem I and II and, furthermore, to a charge-separation at both reaction-centers. By means of this charge-separation the energy of photons is transfered to electrons which have a high chemical potential within the electron-transport-chain. The charge-separation process is very efficient: Only about 1 % of the excited reaction-centers re-emit the absorbed photon-energy by prompt fluorescence (allowed S₁ → S₀-transition). The main part of the excitation-energy feeds the photosynthesis by pumping electrons from water-molecules to NADP-molecules.

© 1984 Optical Society of America