Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae and some bacteria turn light, water and carbon dioxide into energy-rich compounds and oxygen.
Synonyms: Carbon assimilation
Photosynthesis is the biochemical process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria use light energy to make glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. It underpins almost all food chains and supplies the atmosphere with oxygen.
Simplified equation
6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
How it works
Photosynthesis occurs in two stages:
- Light reactions: In the thylakoids of the chloroplasts, light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy carriers; water is split and oxygen is released.
- Calvin cycle (dark reactions): This energy is used to build sugar from carbon dioxide.
Sources
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