What role does NADPH play in photosynthesis?

NADPH plays a crucial role in the Calvin cycle, which is the set of chemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis. Specifically, NADPH serves as a reducing agent, providing the necessary electrons and hydrogen ions for the conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose.

During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, NADP+ is reduced to NADPH as it accepts electrons from the electron transport chain. This newly formed NADPH then carries the stored energy in the form of high-energy electrons to the Calvin cycle, where it participates in the reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which eventually leads to the formation of glucose and other carbohydrates.

Therefore, the role of NADPH is essential in providing the reducing power required for the synthesis of organic molecules from carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.