The process of photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth as it allows plants to convert into chemical energy. During this process, plants take in from the air through their leaves, while absorbing water from the soil with their roots. The energy from sunlight is captured by the pigment called chlorophyll, which is predominantly found in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Through a series of chemical reactions, photosynthesis produces glucose, a type of that serves as food for the plant. Additionally, this process releases as a byproduct, which is vital for the survival of most living organisms on the planet. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as sunlight + carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.
Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the cycle. In the light-dependent reactions, energy from sunlight is harnessed to produce ATP and NADPH, which are energy carriers. This stage occurs in the membranes of the chloroplasts, where light is captured and converted into chemical energy.
In the next stage, the Calvin cycle utilizes the ATP and NADPH produced in the first stage to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This cycle occurs in the of the chloroplasts and is crucial for the growth and energy storage in plants. The process of photosynthesis not only sustains the plants themselves but also forms the basis of the food chain for all life on Earth.
