During the process of photosynthesis, specifically in the light-dependent reactions, NADP⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) is reduced to NADPH. This reduction occurs when NADP⁺ accepts electrons and a proton (H⁺) during the electron transport chain.
Here's a summary of the process:
- NADP⁺ + e⁻ + H⁺ → NADPH:
- NADP⁺ has a positive charge before the reduction.
- It accepts two electrons (e⁻) and a proton (H⁺) derived from the splitting of water molecules (photolysis).
- After this reduction, NADPH carries no net charge (it is neutral).
NADPH serves as a key electron carrier and is utilized in the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) to help convert carbon dioxide into glucose. It effectively provides the reducing power necessary for the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and other organic molecules during photosynthesis.