Photosynthesis

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Photosynthesis - the process of converting sunlight into chemical energy Products: Light + Carbon Dioxide + Water

Reactants: Glucose + Oxygen

Step 1: The Light Reaction

This first step takes place in the thylakoid in the chloroplast. Light and water are taken in, and NADPH and electrons are the result, which are then taken to the dark reaction.

Red/blue/violet light and water are absorbed by chlorophyll.

Electrons from water are "excited" by the light, and start moving down the electron transport chain. H+ are pumped through proteins.

The H+ eventually are transported through ATP Synthase, which creates an electrical charge. The result is ATP (energy), which is used in the dark reaction / Calvin Cycle.

The electrons power the H+ pumping proteins, and more light is absorbed to reactivate their excited state.

NADPH carries electrons to the Calvin Cycle.

Step 2: The Dark Reaction

The dark reaction takes place in the stroma, which is in liquid. The electrons from NADPH combine with carbon dioxide and ATP to create glucose.

NADPH carries electrons to the stroma.

Carbon dioxide, ATP, and electrons combine to make glucose.

The oxygen is not used and is released as a product.

Glucose that is made will later be converted to ATP through respiration.