The two stages of photosynthesis are the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle). The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts, where light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. This stage also involves the splitting of water molecules, producing oxygen as a byproduct. The light-independent reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. Using the ATP and NADPH produced in the light- dependent stage, carbon dioxide is fixed and converted into glucose through the Calvin cycle. Thus, the two stages are:
- Light-dependent reactions: occur in the thylakoid membranes
- Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts.
