Occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria

Uses water as electron donor

Occurs in some bacteria

Uses compounds like hydrogen sulfide instead of water

Green pigment found in chloroplasts

Absorbs light energy

Occur in thylakoid membranes

Convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH)

Occur in the stroma of chloroplasts

Utilize ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose

Higher intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a point

Increased levels enhance the rate until saturation

Optimal temperature varies by plant type affecting enzyme activity

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Light reactions convert solar energy to chemical energy

Calvin cycle uses that energy to synthesize glucose