THE EXAMS POINTPhotosynthesis: connect the two stages
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Photosynthesis: connect the two stages
01 · Light + water
Light-dependent reactions occur in thylakoid membranes.
02 · ATP + NADPH
These carry usable energy and reducing power to carbon fixation.
03 · Carbon dioxide → Calvin cycle
In the stroma, CO₂ is incorporated into organic molecules.
04 · Triose phosphate
Some product contributes to carbohydrate synthesis; the rest regenerates RuBP.
Connect the branches
Oxygen is released from water during the light-dependent reactions. The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH; it does not directly absorb light.
Avoid the exam trap
“Light-independent” does not mean the Calvin cycle normally runs only at night.
Test yourself: From which input does the released oxygen originate?
The oxygen released during photosynthesis originates from water.
A concise revision aid with simplified connections. It supports the full chapter and primary references; it does not replace them.