What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process that produces organic matter from simple inorganic molecules from the sun’s energy. This process is used by plants to create their own food. Plants are able to do this because they have chloroplasts, organelles in their cells that contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, which is then used by the plant for food.

The process of photosynthesis can be broken down into two parts: light-dependent reactions and dark reactions. The light dependent reactions use the energy from sunlight to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These two molecules are then used in the dark reactions to create glucose from carbon dioxide.

The overall equation for photosynthesis is:

Carbon Dioxide + Water + Light Energy → Glucose + Oxygen

In order for photosynthesis to occur, plants need light, water, and carbon dioxide. The light is used in the light-dependent reactions to produce ATP and NADPH. These molecules are then used in the dark reactions to create glucose from carbon dioxide.

Water is necessary for photosynthesis because it provides the hydrogen atoms that are used in the production of ATP and NADPH. Carbon dioxide is also necessary because it provides the carbon atoms that are used to create glucose.

Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: light-dependent reactions and dark reactions.

The light-dependent reactions use sunlight to produce ATP and NADPH. These molecules are then used in the dark reactions to create glucose from carbon dioxide. The overall equation for photosynthesis is:
Carbon Dioxide + Water + Light Energy → Glucose + Oxygen.