Question

What molecule(s) link the light reactions (stage 1 of photosynthesis) to the Calvin cycle (stage 2 of photosynthesis)?

Answer 1

Answer:

ATP and NADPH

Explanation:

The photosynthetic process carried out by plants involves two distinct stages: the light-dependent stage and the Light-independent stage. The light-dependent stage occurs in the thylakoid membrane of the CHLOROPLAST and it involves a series of chemical reactions that results in the formation of an energy storage molecule (ATP) and reduced electron carrier (NADPH).

These molecules enters the Calvin cycle or light-independent stage. The chemical energy of ATP and reducing ability of NADPH are used to phosphorylate and reduce a 3-carbon compound (PGA) in the Calvin cycle. These two molecules (NADPH and ATP) are important to keep the Calvin cycle in place. Hence, the Calvin cycle is dependent on the light reaction and this two molecules link the two stages.