1. Light-dependent reactions: These reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and require sunlight. They use light energy to convert water into oxygen and generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy carriers.

2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): These reactions occur in the stroma of chloroplasts and do not directly require light. They use the energy from ATP and NADPH, along with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, to produce glucose (a sugar).