The process of photosynthesis is crucial for the survival of plant life. During photosynthesis, plants convert into chemical energy stored in glucose. This transformation primarily occurs in the , where chlorophyll captures light energy. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as carbon dioxide plus water, in the presence of light energy, resulting in glucose and oxygen.
In addition to its primary function of energy creation, photosynthesis plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's atmosphere. It is responsible for the release of , which is essential for the survival of most living organisms. As plants absorb carbon dioxide, they help to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the concentration of this gas in the atmosphere.
Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the . In the light-dependent reactions, solar energy is captured and used to produce ATP and NADPH. The Calvin cycle, on the other hand, utilizes these energy carriers to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, which plants use for energy and growth.
