Photosynthesis: Two Connected Stages

Name:

Date:

Part 1: Compare the Two Stages

1. Complete the two-column comparison chart. Include the location, inputs, outputs, and function of each stage.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Location: ______________________________

Inputs: ________________________________

Outputs: _______________________________

Function: ______________________________

Calvin Cycle

Location: ______________________________

Inputs: ________________________________

Outputs: _______________________________

Function: ______________________________

Technical Explanation

The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Light energy is captured to split water, releasing oxygen. The captured energy is transferred into the energy carriers ATP and NADPH.

The Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. It does not use light directly. Instead, it uses carbon dioxide, ATP, and NADPH to build a three-carbon sugar that can be used to make glucose and other sugars.

2. Annotate the explanation above. Underline matter inputs in blue, circle energy carriers in orange, and box products in green. Place a star beside the sentence that shows how the two stages are connected.

Word bank: thylakoid membranes, stroma, ATP, NADPH, carbon dioxide, water, oxygen, glucose, energy carrier, sugar

Part 2: Build a Process Model

3. Complete the flowchart. Draw arrows to show that light and water enter the light-dependent reactions; oxygen leaves; ATP and NADPH move to the Calvin cycle; carbon dioxide enters; and sugar leaves. Label the thylakoid membranes, stroma, and function of each stage.

Part 3: Exit Question

4. Explain how the light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle work together. Include the location of each stage, at least one input, at least one output, and the role of ATP or NADPH.

Sentence starters: The light-dependent reactions occur in __________ and use __________. They produce __________, which the Calvin cycle uses to __________. The Calvin cycle occurs in __________ and uses __________ to build __________.