Light-Dependent Reactions:
* Sunlight: This is absorbed by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts of plants. This light energy is used to split water molecules (photolysis).
* Water: The splitting of water molecules releases electrons, protons (H+), and oxygen gas (O2).
* ATP and NADPH: The energy from light is used to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These molecules are energy carriers.
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle):
* ATP and NADPH: The energy carriers generated in the light-dependent reactions are used in the Calvin cycle.
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The Calvin cycle uses CO2 from the atmosphere to build sugar molecules (glucose).
* Oxygen is not produced: The Calvin cycle doesn't involve the splitting of water or the release of oxygen.
Summary:
* Sunlight and water are used in the light-dependent reactions to create ATP, NADPH, and oxygen.
* ATP and NADPH are used in the light-independent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
Let me know if you have any other questions about photosynthesis!