What is the difference between light-dependent and light-independent photosynthesis?

Light-dependent and light-independent reactions are two main stages of photosynthesis, the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar). These two stages occur in the chloroplasts of plant cells and work together to produce glucose and oxygen. Here's an overview of the key differences between the two:

Location:

Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.
Light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle or the dark reactions) take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts.
Energy Source:

Light-dependent reactions require light energy to occur. They capture and convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).
Light-independent reactions do not directly depend on light. They use the chemical energy stored in ATP and NADPH, which were produced during the light-dependent reactions.
Products:

Light-dependent reactions produce oxygen (O2) as a byproduct, along with ATP and NADPH.
Light-independent reactions synthesize glucose (C6H12O6) from carbon dioxide (CO2) using the ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions.
Role in Photosynthesis:

Light-dependent reactions capture and convert light energy into chemical energy. They provide the ATP and NADPH necessary for the light-independent reactions.
Light-independent reactions use the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions to fix carbon dioxide and build glucose molecules. This stage does not directly depend on the presence of light.
Temporal Relationship:

Light-dependent reactions occur during the daylight hours when there is light available for photosynthesis.
Light-independent reactions can occur during both day and night because they do not require light. They can use the stored energy (ATP and NADPH) generated during the daytime to continue glucose production in the absence of light.
In summary, light-dependent reactions capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy, while light-independent reactions use that stored chemical energy to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide. Together, these two stages of photosynthesis allow plants and other photosynthetic organisms to convert sunlight into food and release oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct.