What are the products of the light-dependent reactions?

Sourav PanNovember 9, 2024

Answered

The products of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis are primarily ATP and NADPH. These molecules are essential for the subsequent light-independent reactions, commonly known as the Calvin Cycle.

1. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): This molecule serves as an energy carrier. It is produced through a process called photophosphorylation, where light energy is used to add a phosphate group to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
2. NADPH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate): NADPH acts as a reducing agent and provides the necessary electrons for the reduction of carbon dioxide in the Calvin Cycle. It is generated when NADP+ is reduced by electrons that have been energized by light absorbed by Photosystem I.

Additionally, oxygen (O2O2​) is produced as a byproduct during these reactions through the photolysis of water molecules. The overall reaction can be summarized as follows:

In summary, the light-dependent reactions convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in ATP and NADPH, while also releasing oxygen as a waste product.