Photosynthesis Intro and Light-Dependent Reactions

Learn about photosynthesis and the light-dependent reactions in this first animation of my photosynthesis animations series! Then try the Photosynthesis Interactive to practice the process yourself! () Transcript: In photosynthesis, light is used to make organic compounds, especially sugars, in plants. This is extremely important for virtually all life on earth because these organic compounds are what we, and our food are all made of! So, how does this process work? In short, when light strikes a leaf, this light is absorbed and the light energy is used to drive a series of chemical reactions that ultimately make sugars and other organic molecules. Overall carbon dioxide and water are taken in by the plant and used to make glucose and oxygen gas. Photosynthesis can be divided into two sets of reactions: 1. The light-dependent reactions and 2. The Calvin Cycle The li