Process: Light energy oxidizes H₂O to O₂ → Electrons transferred to NADP⁺ to form NADPH → ATP produced by chemiosmosis via ATP synthase
Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
Occur in stroma (also known as dark reactions)
Reactants: CO₂, ATP, NADPH
Products: Glucose, NADP⁺, ADP, Pi
Process: CO₂ reduced to sugars (e.g., glucose) → ATP and NADPH provide energy and electrons → NADPH oxidized back to NADP⁺, ATP converted to ADP and Pi
Detailed Steps of Photosynthesis
Electron Transport Chain in Light Dependent Reactions
Photosystem II (P680): Absorbs light (680 nm) → Excites electrons in chlorophyll → Electrons passed to plastoquinone, replenished from H₂O (produces O₂ and H⁺ ions)