The process of photosynthesis is vital for the survival of most life on Earth. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into energy, utilizing the pigment called . This process primarily takes place in the of the plant, where carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil are transformed into glucose and oxygen.
The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized by the formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, indicating that carbon dioxide and water combine to form glucose and release . This transformation not only sustains the plants themselves but also produces oxygen, which is essential for the of most living organisms.
Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the cycle. During the light-dependent reactions, sunlight is absorbed and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, while the Calvin cycle uses this energy to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules, such as glucose. This intricate process highlights the interconnectedness of life, as it forms the basis of the chain that sustains various ecosystems.
