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Explain how the light-dependant reactions provide the means to drive the light-independent reactions.
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Explain how the light-dependant reactions provide the means to drive the light-independent reactions. Photosynthesis is the process by which living organisms, particularly plants, capture solar energy and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into simple sugars. The process is dependant on pigments particularly chlorophyll. When a photon of light hits a chlorophyll molecule its causes some of its electrons to gain energy. If the electrons gain enough energy they leave the chlorophyll molecule. This loss of electrons oxidises the chlorophyll and the electrons are used to reduce some other molecule. The electrons from the chlorophyll have to be replaced. The replacements are provided by water, which breaks down to release hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions can then produce oxygen and electrons. These electrons are used to reduce the chlorophyll. Oxygen is lost as a waste product of photosynthesis. The breakdown of water is known as photolysis....
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