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Photosynthesis / Light and Dark Reactions - That light drives photosynthesis has been proved by many experiments. When plants are put into the dark photosynthesis decreases over time. When light returns, so does the trapping of energy. Do not confuse this simple statement with the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis. The light reaction traps energy from waves or photons as the electrons on the chlorophyll molecule are forced to a higher orbit; and then return to their original orbit. The energy is trapped in ATP. This is the first part. As many ATP molecules accumulate, so it is often called the dark reaction of photosynthesis. The trapping of energy is a highly ordered process.