The two roles of light in photosynthesis are:
1. Energy Source: Light acts as the primary energy source that drives the process of photosynthesis. The energy in light is absorbed by pigment molecules, such as chlorophyll, and is used to power the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. Photolysis of Water: Light also plays a crucial role in breaking down water molecules. This process, known as photolysis, occurs in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts. The absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen ions (H+), electrons (e-), and oxygen gas (O2). The released electrons are then used in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are the energy-rich molecules needed for the light-independent reactions or the Calvin cycle.
what are the two roles of light in photosynthesis
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