The process of photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth, as it allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. During this process, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, using the energy from sunlight to transform these inputs into glucose and oxygen. The equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as: + + light energy → + .
Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll, the green pigment, captures sunlight. This energy is then used in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. In the light-dependent reactions, sunlight is absorbed and converted into chemical energy in the form of and .
The Calvin cycle, which takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts, utilizes the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-driven steps. This process is vital for the production of organic compounds that serve as food for plants and, subsequently, for animals and humans. As a result, photosynthesis not only supports the growth of plants but also contributes to the overall by providing necessary oxygen while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
