What happens during the light-dependent reaction?

During the light dependent reaction, chlorophyll in the chloroplasts within a plant cell will absorb light energy, this will then excite electrons and an electron will be removed from the chlorophyll, once this electron has been excited, it will enter the electron transport chain, during this process they will release energy. This energy is used to combine ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and Pi (inorganic phosphate) to form ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), this process is called photo-phosphorylation. Water is split up in the process of photolysis to form electrons, as well as hydrogen ions and oxygen, these electrons released are used to reduce NADH (an electron carrier). These products then move onto the light independent reaction.

DV
Answered by Deo V. Biology tutor

4899 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is energy produced in the light dependent reaction of photosynthesis?


Explain why fewer species of plant would lead to fewer species of lizard in oil palm plantations. Lizards feed on plants and insects.


What is the difference between a Prokaryote and a Eukaryote?


Describe how phagocytosis of a virus leads to presentation of its antigens (3 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning