What is one of the main outputs of the light-dependent reactions?

The primary output of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis is oxygen. During these reactions, light energy is captured by chlorophyll and used to split water molecules through a process called photolysis. This process releases oxygen as a byproduct. As light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, water serves as the source of electrons and protons, and the splitting of water is crucial for replenishing the electrons lost by chlorophyll. Therefore, the release of oxygen is a direct consequence of the energy conversion that occurs during the light-dependent reactions.

The other options, such as starch, carbon dioxide, and sucrose, are not outputs of the light-dependent reactions. Starch is a storage form of energy produced later during the Calvin cycle in the light-independent reactions. Carbon dioxide is a substrate used in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose, rather than an output of the light-dependent reactions. Sucrose also results from the products of photosynthesis after further processing, but it is not directly generated from the light-dependent reactions.