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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, what are the products of the light reactions in photosynthesis?
A
Glucose and oxygen
B
Pyruvate and acetyl-CoA
C
ATP and NADPH
D
Carbon dioxide and water
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that photosynthesis consists of two main stages: the light reactions and the Calvin cycle. The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and are the initial phase of photosynthesis.
Recognize that the primary purpose of the light reactions is to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, which are then used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose.
During the light reactions, chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which excites electrons to a higher energy state. These high-energy electrons are transferred through a series of proteins known as the electron transport chain.
As electrons move through the electron transport chain, they facilitate the pumping of protons (H⁺ ions) across the thylakoid membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Simultaneously, the electrons reduce NADP⁺ to NADPH. Both ATP and NADPH are then utilized in the Calvin cycle to drive the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water.