key concept10.2Photosynthesis Converts Light Energy into Chemical Energy

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Light is a form of energy, and it can be converted to other forms of energy such as heat or chemical energy. Our focus here will be on light as the source of energy to drive the formation of ATP (from ADP and Pi) and NADPH (from NADP+ and H+).

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  • Plants have pigment molecules that receive light energy and convert it to chemical energy in the form of excited electrons.

  • Electron transport systems and two coordinated photosystems harvest the chemical energy of excited electrons to produce NADPH and ATP.