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Photosynthesis, the process that converts light energy and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, is carried out in two stages. The energy of sunlight is absorbed in the light-dependent reactions and stored in ATP and NADPH. Water is split, releasing hydrogen, electrons, and oxygen. The hydrogen and electrons are captured by NADP+, which becomes NADPH. The light-independent reactions use the products of the light-dependent reactions, ATP and NADPH, to convert carbon dioxide to carbohydrate end products.