Which of the following correctly names the two main stages of photosynthesis?

• A. Oxidative phosphorylation and photolysis
• B. Electron transport chain and fermentation
• C. Glycolysis and Krebs cycle
• D. Light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recognize that photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (also known as the light-independent reactions).
3. Learn that the light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, where sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and used to produce ATP and NADPH while splitting water molecules to release oxygen.
4. Understand that the Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and uses ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-mediated steps.
5. Review the incorrect options provided in the problem and confirm that none of them describe the two main stages of photosynthesis, reinforcing that the correct answer is 'Light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle.'