Final answer:
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, and produce oxygen, whereas the light-independent reactions use this chemical energy to synthesize glucose from CO2. The two stages are interdependent; the light-independent reactions cannot proceed without the products of the light-dependent reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions
Photosynthesis comprises two distinct processes: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. During the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and converts it into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. This phase occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and also produces oxygen by splitting water molecules.
In contrast, the light-independent reactions utilize the ATP and NADPH generated by the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose in a process known as carbon fixation. These reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplast and do not directly require sunlight. However, they are dependent on the short-lived products of the light-dependent reactions and are thus indirectly driven by light.
The interdependency of these two stages lies in the fact that the light-independent reactions cannot proceed without the energy carriers (ATP and NADPH) produced by the light-dependent reactions. This set-up ensures that energy is efficiently transferred from sunlight to form stable energy-rich compounds like glucose, which is essential for the survival of the plant and, by extension, other life forms that rely on plants for nourishment and oxygen.