ATP is produced from ADP when hydrogen ions flow through the ATP synthase in the thylakoid membrane. NADPH is formed when excited electrons are added to a molecule called NADP+
In stage 2, I produce two important molecules called ATP and NADPH. ATP is the main molecule that stores chemical energy until it is ready to be used.
ATP
H+
ATP
NADPH
Carbon dioxide
Finally, stage 3 occurs. This stage happens without light. This stage is known as the Calvin Cycle. It uses ATP and NADPH from stage 2 and results in ADP and NADP to be used in the light reactions (stage 1 and 2)
Carbon dioxide enters the Calvin cycle where energy is added and carbon molecules are rearranged. Two cycles of the Calvin cycle produces a molecule of glucose. Glucose is a large 6 carbon molecule that carries a lot of energy in its bonds. Glucose is also used by humans for energy.
Calvin Cycle
ADP
NADP
Glucose
How do humans use glucose?
Through a process called metabolism. This is a process that uses energy to break down or build molecules like glucose for energy. When you were eating your strawberry your body was breaking down the chemical bonds for energy.