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  • Light Reactions of Photosynthesis: ATP & NADPH Production Explained
    The light reactions of photosynthesis produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These are the energy carriers that are used in the Calvin cycle, the next stage of photosynthesis, to produce glucose.

    Here's a breakdown:

    * ATP: This is the main energy currency of cells. It is produced by the light-dependent phosphorylation of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) using energy from sunlight.

    * NADPH: This is a reducing agent, meaning it carries electrons and can donate them to other molecules. It is generated when light energy is used to energize electrons in chlorophyll and these electrons are passed through an electron transport chain, eventually reducing NADP+ to NADPH.

    In summary:

    The light reactions of photosynthesis harness the energy of sunlight to produce ATP and NADPH, which are essential for the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.

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