Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis occur?

The light reactions of photosynthesis occur on the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. This is where chlorophyll and other pigments are located and are responsible for capturing light energy from the sun. When light strikes these pigments, it excites electrons which leads to a series of reactions that produce ATP and NADPH, which are crucial energy carriers in the cell. Additionally, water molecules are split in this process, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

This location is vital to efficiently harness light energy and convert it into chemical energy, facilitating the subsequent stages of photosynthesis, such as the Calvin cycle, which occurs in the stroma. Understanding the specific sites of these key processes helps underscore the highly organized nature of cellular functions in plants.