
Reaction center
A reaction center is a specialized part of a plant or bacteria cell that captures sunlight and initiates the process of converting it into energy. It contains molecules called chlorophyll that absorb light and transfer the energy to other molecules, triggering a series of chemical reactions. These reactions produce energy-rich compounds like ATP and NADPH, which cells use to power growth and other functions. Essentially, the reaction center acts as the starting point for photosynthesis, transforming sunlight into the chemical energy that sustains life on Earth.