User: Explain the general process of photosynthesis.
Assistant: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: light reactions, which uses light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and ATP (a type of energy used by cells), and the Calvin cycle, which uses the energy from ATP to produce glucose. The light reactions of photosynthesis split water molecules into oxygen, hydrogen, and electrons. The electrons are then used to form ATP and reduce NADP+ to NADPH. The electrons, ATP, and NADPH are then used in the Calvin cycle where carbon dioxide is added and glucose is produced. The oxygen produced as a by-product is released into the atmosphere.