Lecture 04: Photosynthesis
28 min class recording
Read cited excerpt
The light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane. They supply ATP and NADPH to the Calvin cycle.
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Photosynthesis, made clear
A gentle guide to how plants capture and use light energy.
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Read cited excerpt
The Calvin cycle takes place in the stroma and uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into G3P.
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1 handwritten page
Read cited excerpt
Remember: light reactions happen in the thylakoid; the Calvin cycle happens in the stroma.
Study note
Understand the lesson, one idea at a time.
Plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Light reactions capture energy, then the Calvin cycle uses it to build carbon compounds.
First, the bigger picture
Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts. Inside each chloroplast, stacks of membrane sacs called thylakoids are surrounded by a fluid called the stroma. Each stage has its own workspace.
Think of the light reactions as charging a battery. The Calvin cycle spends that stored energy to turn carbon dioxide into useful carbon compounds.
How the two stages connect
Light and water enter the light-dependent reactions, releasing oxygen. ATP and NADPH carry energy to the Calvin cycle, where carbon dioxide is used to produce G3P. ADP and NADP+ return to the light reactions.
What to remember
- The oxygen released comes from water, not carbon dioxide.
- Light-independent does not mean only at night. The Calvin cycle depends on products of the light reactions.
- G3P is a building block for sugars.
Visual explanation
Energy flow through photosynthesis
Light and water enter the light reactions. ATP and NADPH move to the Calvin cycle, while ADP and NADP+ return.
Light reactionsThylakoid membrane
ATP + NADPH →ATP + NADPH ↓← ADP + NADP+↑ ADP + NADP+
Calvin cycleStroma
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Flashcards
Where do the light-dependent reactions happen?
In the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast.
What supplies energy to the Calvin cycle?
ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions.
Where does the released oxygen come from?
Water split during the light-dependent reactions.
Quick check
Which molecules carry energy from the light reactions to the Calvin cycle?
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide
- ATP and NADPH ✓
- Glucose and water
ATP and NADPH connect energy capture to carbon fixation.
The oxygen released during photosynthesis comes from carbon dioxide.
False. The released oxygen comes from water split during the light reactions.
A small path through the lesson
- See the whole processRead the overview and name the two locations.
- Follow the energyTrace ATP and NADPH through the visual.
- Recall it unaidedExplain both stages, then try the practice questions.
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