10.6: Photosynthesis in Prokaryotes

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The two parts of photosynthesis—the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle—have been described, as they take place in chloroplasts. However, prokaryotes, such as cyanobacteria, lack membrane-bound organelles (including chloroplasts). Prokaryotic photosynthetic organisms have infoldings of the plasma membrane for chlorophyll attachment and photosynthesis (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). It is here that organisms like cyanobacteria can carry out photosynthesis.

twisty green shape labeled thylakoid — **Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\):** A photosynthetic prokaryote has infolded regions of the plasma membrane that function like thylakoids. Although these are not contained in an organelle, such as a chloroplast, all of the necessary components are present to carry out photosynthesis. (credit: scale-bar data from Matt Russell)

Query \(\PageIndex{1}\)

References

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Text adapted from: OpenStax, Concepts of Biology. OpenStax CNX. May 18, 2016 http://cnx.org/contents/b3c1e1d2-839...9a8aafbdd@9.10

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