Question

In words -- and fairly briefly -- describe what occurs in: the light reactions of photosynthesis the dark reactions of photosynthesis and then in a sentence or two how the two aspects of photosynthesis (the light and the dark) are connected -- how are the products from the light reactions used in the dark reactions?

Answer 1

During the light-dependent reaction a water molecule is broken down producing two H⁺ ions and half an oxygen molecule. We get the rest of the oxygen molecule when another water molecule is broken down.

After ATP is formed in the first part of photosynthesis(light reactions) , for living things to grow, reproduce and repair themselves, the inorganic form of CO₂ must be transformed into carbohydrate. This happens during the Calvin Cycle in the stroma (the fluid filled interior of the chloroplast). ATP and NADPH combine with CO₂ and water to make the end product of glucose. The ADP and NADPH⁺ are recycled to the light-dependent side to start the process over.