Photosynthesis takes place in two stages. In the light reaction, chlorophyll b, carotene, and xanthophylls absorb and channel light energy to chlorophyll a, whose electrons (negatively charged, subatomic particles) are boosted to a high energy potential. In such an excited (energized) state, chlorophyll’s electrons are diverted into a system that extracts and stores their energy for later use in the synthesis of substances such as sugars. The pigment’s lost electrons are quickly replenished with a fresh supply obtained from the breakdown of water, making the chlorophyll a ready to be excited
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