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)