Photosynthesis consists of which two primary steps

Answer 1

Photosynthesis primarily consists of two main steps:

1. Light-dependent Reactions (Light Reactions): These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. They require light to take place and involve the absorption of sunlight by chlorophyll and other pigments. The energy from the sunlight is used to split water molecules (H2O) into oxygen (O2), protons, and electrons. This process produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy carriers.

2. Light-independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle or Dark Reactions): These reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts and do not require light directly. Instead, they utilize the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into glucose (C6H12O6). The process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that fix carbon into organic molecules.

Together, these two steps enable plants to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, which can be used for growth and energy.