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LIGHT REACTIONS Chlorophyll molecules in the thylakoid membranes capture light energy. The chloroplasts use the captured energy to remove electrons from water. This splits water into
LIGHT REACTIONS Chlorophyll
molecules in the thylakoid membranes capture light energy.
The chloroplasts use the captured energy to remove electrons from water.
This splits water into oxygen and hydrogen ions.
LIGHT REACTIONS The oxygen is a waste
product and is released from the plant
The electrons and the hydrogen ions are used to make NADPH, which is an energy rich molecule that is needed in the Calvin cycle.
The chloroplasts also use the light energy to generate ATP, which is also needed in the Calvin cycle.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS – LIGHT RXN
LIGHT REACTIONS Inputs: light
energy and water
Outputs: Oxygen (waste product), NADPH and ATP (energy molecules needed in the Calvin Cycle)
