Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates. It takes place in two stages: the light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

Questions

• What are the two stages of photosynthesis?
• What happens in the light reactions?
• What happens in the Calvin cycle?
• What are the products of photosynthesis?
• What is the importance of photosynthesis?

Answers

• The two stages of photosynthesis are the light reactions and the Calvin cycle.
• The light reactions convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
• The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH produced by the light reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
• The products of photosynthesis are oxygen and glucose.
• Photosynthesis is the ultimate source of metabolic energy for all biological systems.