What is the Difference Between Oxygenic and Anoxygenic Photosynthesis?

The main difference between oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis lies in the electron donor used and the generation of oxygen as a byproduct.

Oxygenic Photosynthesis:

• Occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.
• Uses water (H2O) as the electron donor, which is split to supply the electron to the reaction center.
• Oxygen (O2) is generated as a byproduct and released into the environment.
• Contributes to the oxygen content in the atmosphere.

Anoxygenic Photosynthesis:

• Occurs in certain bacteria, such as green sulfur bacteria and purple bacteria.
• Uses other reduced molecules like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or thiosulfate as electron donors.
• Oxygen is not generated as a byproduct, hence the term "anoxygenic".
• Involves noncyclic photophosphorylation.

In summary, oxygenic photosynthesis generates oxygen as a byproduct and is performed by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, while anoxygenic photosynthesis does not generate oxygen and is carried out by certain bacterial groups.

Comparative Table: Oxygenic vs Anoxygenic Photosynthesis

Here is a table comparing the differences between oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis:

Oxygenic photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, and it releases oxygen as a by-product, while anoxygenic photosynthesis occurs in certain bacteria and does not produce oxygen as a by-product. Both types of photosynthesis convert light energy into chemical energy, but they differ in the specific processes and organisms involved.