Question

During the process of photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is captured and used to produce sugar molecules. The energy that is stored in ATP and NADPH molecules is used to produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.
Which of these describes the energy conversions that occur during photosynthesis?

• A. Kinetic energy to chemical energy to potential energy.
• B. Potential energy to chemical energy to kinetic energy.
• C. Light energy to kinetic energy to potential energy.
• D. Light energy to potential energy to chemical energy.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Kinetic energy to chemical energy to potential energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of movement whereas the potential energy is the energy of storage. During the process of photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is captured in the form of photons, resulting in movement of electrons, which undergo light dependent reaction and form sugar which break down and release chemical energy to carry out the further process of photosynthesis and lastly energy stored in ATP and NADPH molecules is utilized to produce carbohydrates and is stored in the form of potential energy. Thus, kinetic energy from the movement of electrons is transduced to chemical energy of sugar molecules and finally to the potential energy of stored carbohydrates.

So, the correct answer is 'Kinetic energy to chemical energy to potential energy'.