Only certain organisms (photoautotrophs), can perform photosynthesis; they require the presence of chlorophyll, a specialized pigment that absorbs certain wavelengths of the visible spectrum and can capture energy from… The pigments of the first part of photosynthesis, the light-dependent reactions, absorb energy from sunlight.

The process of photosynthesis transformed life on Earth. Eukaryotic autotrophs, such as plants and algae, have organelles called chloroplasts in which photosynthesis takes place, and starch accumulates.

light-dependent reaction — first stage of photosynthesis where certain wavelengths of the visible light are absorbed to form two energy-carrying molecules (ATP and NADPH). pigment — molecule that is capable of absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others (which accounts for its color). wavelength — distance between consecutive points of equal position (two crests or two troughs) of a wave in a graphic representation; inversely proportional to the energy of the radiation. process — less localized and occurs within folded membranes, extensions of the plasma membrane, and in the cytoplasm.