Question
Describe what happens during the light stage of photosynthesis.
Answer
During the light stage of photosynthesis ( the light-dependent reaction or light reaction) light energy from the sun is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).
The following occurs during the light stage of photosynthesis:
1. Light energy from the sun is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules, the primary pigments in chloroplasts.
2. The light splits water molecule to form hydrogen ions/atoms and oxygen gas (Photolysis of water).
3. Formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is an energy rich molecule that stores energy for use in the dark stage when sunlight energy could be unavailable.
Read on the Light and Dark stages of Photosynthesis
The following occurs during the light stage of photosynthesis:
1. Light energy from the sun is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules, the primary pigments in chloroplasts.
2. The light splits water molecule to form hydrogen ions/atoms and oxygen gas (Photolysis of water).
3. Formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is an energy rich molecule that stores energy for use in the dark stage when sunlight energy could be unavailable.
Read on the Light and Dark stages of Photosynthesis
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