To determine the end products of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, let's examine the process itself:
1. Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. These reactions convert light energy into chemical energy.
2. Initial Inputs:
- Light energy.
- Water molecules [tex]\(H_2O\)[/tex].
3. Primary Outputs:
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): This molecule stores energy and is used in the Calvin cycle.
- NADPH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate): This molecule acts as a reducing agent, carrying electrons to be used in the Calvin cycle.
- Oxygen (O_2): This is released as a byproduct when water molecules are split.
Given the choices:
- ATP and NADPH: While this option lists two of the outputs, it misses oxygen.
- CO2 and H2O: These are not products of the light-dependent reactions. CO2 is actually used later in the Calvin cycle.
- ATP, NADPH, and O2: This lists all major products of the light-dependent reactions correctly.
- C6H12O6 and O2: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a product of the Calvin cycle, not the light-dependent reactions.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- ATP, NADPH, and [tex]\(O_2\)[/tex].
