Chapter 8.2, Problem 6SAQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Which of the molecules among $\text{ATP}$ and $\text{NADPH}$, provides the major input of energy needed to synthesize carbohydrates.

Introduction:

The light reactions convert solar energy to chemical energy and produces $\text{ATP}$ and $\text{NADPH}$. The $\text{ATP}$ and $\text{NADPH}$ produced in the light reactions drive the second stage of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle. $\text{ATP}$ generated by the light reactions provides the energy for sugar synthesis. The $\text{NADPH}$ produced by the light reactions provides the electrons for the reduction of carbon dioxide to glucose.