What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy to fuel their growth and activities. During photosynthesis, these organisms capture light energy using a pigment called chlorophyll, which is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plant cells. The process involves taking in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and water (H₂O) from the soil. Using the energy from sunlight, plants convert these raw materials into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen (O₂). The overall simplified chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) + 6 O₂ The glucose produced serves as an energy source for the plant’s growth and development, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This process is fundamental to life on Earth because it provides the base of the food chain and contributes to the oxygen we breathe.