During the light dependent reactions of photosynthesis water is split. How are the components of the water used? A Hydrogen is released to the atmosphere, and oxygen is used in the Calvin cycle. B Oxygen is released to the atmosphere, and hydrogen is used to create NADPH. C Hydrogen and oxygen are released back to the atmosphere as byproducts. D (D) Hydrogen and oxygen atoms are transported via the electron transport chain to be used in the light independent cycle.

The correct answer is B. During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, water is split through a process called photolysis. The components of the water are used as follows:<br /><br />1. Oxygen is released to the atmosphere as a byproduct of the splitting of water molecules.<br />2. Hydrogen is used to create NADPH, a high-energy electron carrier molecule. NADPH is then used in the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) to provide the reducing power needed for the synthesis of glucose and other organic compounds.<br /><br />Therefore, the correct answer is B: Oxygen is released to the atmosphere, and hydrogen is used to create NADPH.