1. A lipid-soluble quinone molecule that functions as an electron carrier in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, particularly in photosystem II of chloroplasts.
Usage: technical; biochemistry; biology

Examples

• Plastoquinone plays a crucial role in transferring electrons between photosystem II and the cytochrome b6f complex.
• The reduction and oxidation of plastoquinone is essential for the generation of the proton gradient in thylakoid membranes.
• Scientists study plastoquinone to better understand the mechanisms of photosynthetic energy conversion.
• Plastoquinone molecules are embedded in the thylakoid membrane where they facilitate electron transport.
• Mutations affecting plastoquinone synthesis can impair photosynthetic efficiency in plants.