What happens to the electrons during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, electrons generated from chlorophyll absorb light energy and become excited. This excitation allows the electrons to be transferred to an electron transport chain. As electrons move through this chain, they lose energy, which is used to pump protons into the thylakoid lumen, creating a proton gradient. This gradient drives the synthesis of ATP through ATP synthase as protons flow back into the stroma. The electron transport chain also leads to the reduction of NADP+ into NADPH, which carries the electrons into the subsequent Calvin cycle. This process is critical because it harnesses light energy to produce energy-rich compounds used in the synthesis of glucose during the light-independent reactions.