BASEBiological Archive
for Science & Education
Search
HomeExploreLight-dependent Reactions
Process

Light-dependent Reactions

Light-dependent reactions

Thylakoid-membrane reactions that convert absorbed light into ATP and NADPH while oxidizing water and releasing oxygen.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

Light energizes electrons in photosynthetic protein complexes. Their movement helps make ATP and , and splitting water supplies replacement electrons and releases oxygen.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
TopicPhotosynthesis & Carbon Cycle

Follow the Connections

See how Light-dependent Reactions links to other biological records.

Open network
ProcessPhotosynthesisincludesCell componentThylakoidoccurs inMolecular complexPhotosystem IIusesMolecular complexPhotosystem Iuses
All 12 Structured Connections
Photosynthesis · ProcessINCLUDES →Light-dependent Reactions · Process
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessOCCURS IN →Thylakoid · Cell component
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →Photosystem II · Molecular complex
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →Photosystem I · Molecular complex
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →Chlorophyll · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →Water · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →NADP+ · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →ADP · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessUSES →Inorganic Phosphate · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessPRODUCES →Molecular Oxygen · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessPRODUCES →NADPH · Molecule
Light-dependent Reactions · ProcessPRODUCES →ATP · Molecule

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Light-dependent Reactions.

textbookThe Light-Dependent Reactions of PhotosynthesisOpenStax Biology 2e textbookOverview of PhotosynthesisOpenStax Biology 2e
Research Claims

Linear electron flow couples PSII, plastoquinone, cytochrome b₆f, plastocyanin, PSI, ferredoxin, and ferredoxin–NADP⁺ reductase. Cyclic electron flow around PSI can increase ATP production without net NADPH formation or oxygen evolution.