Which process of photosynthesis requires sunlight?

Which process of photosynthesis requires sunlight?

• A. Light-Dependent Reaction
• B. Calvin Cycle
• C. Oxygen Production
• D. Electron Transport

Answer: (A)

The process of photosynthesis that requires sunlight is the light-dependent reaction. In this stage, chlorophyll and other pigments in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts capture light energy, which is then used to energize electrons. This energy facilitates the splitting of water molecules (photolysis), resulting in the production of oxygen and the generation of ATP and NADPH, which are crucial energy carriers for the next stage of photosynthesis. The light-dependent reactions are essential because they convert absorbed light energy into chemical energy, which is vital for fueling the biochemical processes that occur in the subsequent phases of photosynthesis, particularly the Calvin Cycle. The Calvin Cycle itself does not directly require sunlight; rather, it uses the chemical energy produced during the light-dependent reactions to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water. Similarly, while oxygen production is a result of light-dependent reactions, it does not describe a separate process that involves sunlight independently. The electron transport chain, which includes a series of proteins that transfer electrons, also occurs during the light-dependent reactions, making it reliant on the initial capture of sunlight. Thus, the light-dependent reactions are the foundational step in harnessing solar energy for photosynthesis.

The process of photosynthesis that requires sunlight is the light-dependent reaction. In this stage, chlorophyll and other pigments in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts capture light energy, which is then used to energize electrons. This energy facilitates the splitting of water molecules (photolysis), resulting in the production of oxygen and the generation of ATP and NADPH, which are crucial energy carriers for the next stage of photosynthesis.

The light-dependent reactions are essential because they convert absorbed light energy into chemical energy, which is vital for fueling the biochemical processes that occur in the subsequent phases of photosynthesis, particularly the Calvin Cycle. The Calvin Cycle itself does not directly require sunlight; rather, it uses the chemical energy produced during the light-dependent reactions to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water. Similarly, while oxygen production is a result of light-dependent reactions, it does not describe a separate process that involves sunlight independently. The electron transport chain, which includes a series of proteins that transfer electrons, also occurs during the light-dependent reactions, making it reliant on the initial capture of sunlight. Thus, the light-dependent reactions are the foundational step in harnessing solar energy for photosynthesis.