Notes from NEET topper

Light Harvesting Complex (LHC)

  1. Function: The primary role of the LHC is to capture light energy and transfer it to the reaction centers of photosystems (Photosystem I and II). The LHC is made up of proteins and pigments (like chlorophyll and carotenoids) that absorb various wavelengths of light.

  2. Structure: The LHC consists of several antenna proteins that bind pigments. These pigments are arranged in such a way that they can efficiently absorb light and transfer the energy between each other.

  3. Process: When light is absorbed by a pigment molecule in the LHC, the energy is transferred from one pigment to another until it reaches the reaction center of a photosystem. This process is known as resonance energy transfer.

  4. Variability: Different pigments absorb different wavelengths of light, allowing plants to utilize a broader spectrum of sunlight.