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

• A. Oxidative phosphorylation and photolysis
• B. Glycolysis and Krebs cycle
• C. Electron transport chain and fermentation
• 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, where ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-mediated steps.
5. Review the incorrect options: Oxidative phosphorylation and photolysis are processes related to cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively, but do not represent the two main stages of photosynthesis. Glycolysis and Krebs cycle are part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. The electron transport chain and fermentation are also processes related to cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.