Link between Light Dependent and Light Independent Stages

• Explain the correlation depicted on this graph

  1. when light is removed, the light dependent reaction stops 
  2. ATP and NADPH will no longer be available for use in the light independent stage
  3. glycerate phosphate cannot be converted into triose phosphate, leading to a build up of glycerate phosphate 
  4. this causes a reduction in the amount of ribulose biphosphate produced
  5. the concentration of each level off as the cycle stops

  
• Explain the correlation depicted on this graph

  1. when CO2 is not present, it cannot be ‘fixed’ and combine with ribulose biphosphate to form glycerate phosphate
  2. therefore, the amount of ribulose biphosphate builds up and the glycerate phosphate already in the system gets converted into triose phosphate, leading to its decline 
  3. each concentration levels off as the cycle stops