What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

The correct answer identifies the two main stages of photosynthesis as the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. In the light-dependent reactions, which occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts, light energy is captured and used to produce ATP and NADPH, along with the release of oxygen as a byproduct. This stage is crucial for converting solar energy into a form that can be used to fuel the second stage of photosynthesis.

The Calvin cycle, occurring in the stroma of the chloroplasts, utilizes the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to fix carbon dioxide and synthesize glucose. This cycle involves a series of chemical reactions that ultimately convert inorganic carbon into organic molecules, providing the energy source for the plant and, indirectly, for many other organisms.

Understanding these two stages is fundamental to grasping the overall process of photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth as it plays a critical role in the production of organic matter and oxygen.