What is going on during photosynthesis?

Answer 1

During photosynthesis substances such as carbon dioxide and water are used to produce sugars such as glucose. Photosynthesis, as the name implies, uses light from the sun (photons) in order to make this reaction happen.

First, the photons reach the thylakoid membranes which are located in the chloroplasts. This is where the light dependent reaction happens. The energy from the photons allows the start of the electron transport chain in which NAPD is reduced into NADPH. This creates a proton gradient which 'powers' ATP synthase so it can produce ATP molecules. Also it is during the light dependent reaction that oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

Then, you have the light independent reaction. During this time, a series of reactions convert carbon into glucose.