Light-dependent reactions, also known as photosynthetic reactions or energy-transduction reactions, are the process by which plants and other photosynthetic organisms capture energy from sunlight and convert it into usable energy. Other synonyms for these reactions include photochemical reactions, light reactions, photophosphorylation, and photoconversion. These terms all refer to the same basic process, where photons of light are absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments, and the energy is used to power the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Understanding the many synonyms for these reactions is important for both students and researchers, as it can help to clarify the complex and interconnected processes that make life possible.