What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process that enables green plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll— a green pigment—captures sunlight.
The fundamental formula of photosynthesis can be represented as:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
In this process, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and water (H2O) from the soil are converted into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) with the help of sunlight. The glucose serves as an energy source for the plant while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere, which is essential for the respiration of most living organisms.
Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle). In the light-dependent reactions, solar energy is harvested and used to produce ATP and NADPH. In the Calvin Cycle, these energy carriers are utilized to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide.
Overall, photosynthesis is vital not only for plants but for life on Earth, as it provides the primary energy source and contributes to the oxygen content of the atmosphere.