Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It is the primary source of energy for nearly all life on Earth.
The Two Stages
Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane
Calvin cycle (light-independent) occurs in the stroma
Water is split, releasing oxygen as a byproduct
💡Think of photosynthesis as the plant's way of eating sunlight — it's the foundation of almost all food chains on Earth.
Summary
Photosynthesis is the fundamental process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored as glucose. It occurs in two stages — the light-dependent reactions (thylakoid membrane) and the Calvin Cycle (stroma) — and is responsible for producing essentially all oxygen in Earth's atmosphere.
What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?▼ Show
The light-dependent reactions (thylakoid membrane) and the Calvin Cycle (stroma). The first produces ATP and NADPH; the second uses those to fix CO₂ into glucose.
What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?▼ Show
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Explanation
Light energy is captured by chlorophyll pigments in the thylakoid membranes. This energy drives the splitting of water molecules, releasing oxygen and producing ATP and NADPH — the energy carriers that power the Calvin Cycle.
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