Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the two main stages of photosynthesis—the light reactions and the Calvin cycle—including their locations, inputs, and outputs.

Light Reactions

The light-requiring stage of photosynthesis occurring in the thylakoid membrane that converts energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of $\text{ATP}$ and $\text{NADPH}$.

Thylakoid Membrane

The structural site within the chloroplast where the light-dependent reactions take place.

Calvin Cycle (Synthesis)

The light-independent reactions occurring in the stroma that synthesize sugar ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) from $CO_2$ using $\text{ATP}$ and $\text{NADPH}$, while recycling $NADP^+$ and $\text{ADP} + \text{P}$.

Stroma

The fluid region inside the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs to make sugar.

Reactants of the Light Reactions

$H_2O$, light, $NADP^+$, and $\text{ADP} + \text{P}$.

Products of the Light Reactions

$O_2$, $\text{NADPH}$, and $\text{ATP}$.

Reactants of the Calvin Cycle

$\text{ATP}$, $\text{NADPH}$, and $CO_2$.

Products of the Calvin Cycle

$\text{ADP} + \text{P}$, $NADP^+$, and $\text{G3P}$ / glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$).

G3P

The three-carbon sugar output produced directly by the Calvin cycle, which is subsequently converted into glucose, starch, and sucrose.

LEO goes GER

A mnemonic device representing redox reactions: "Lose Electrons Oxidation, Gain Electrons Reduction".