What process converts solar energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis?

The process that converts solar energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis is the light reactions. During these reactions, chlorophyll and other pigments in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts absorb sunlight. This absorbed light energy drives the conversion of water (H₂O) molecules into oxygen (O₂) and facilitates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are crucial energy carriers. The ATP and NADPH generated in this stage serve as the energy and reducing power, respectively, that fuel the subsequent Calvin Cycle, where the chemical energy is ultimately stored in the form of glucose. The light reactions are thus essential for initiating the process of photosynthesis by capturing and converting solar energy into a usable form of energy for the plant.