Final answer:
The main answer to the question is that the end product of photosynthesis in algae and green plants is glucose (C6H12O6). This process is essential for converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy for the plant, and also produces oxygen for the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The end product of photosynthesis in both algae and green plants is primarily glucose (C6H12O6). During photosynthesis, these organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose. This process not only sustains the life of the plant itself by providing a source of energy, but it also is crucial for life on Earth as it releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
While some debate exists as to whether certain types of algae should be classified within the same kingdom as plants, what stands without contest is their shared ability to perform photosynthesis using sunlight. Green algae and land plants, for example, both use the same types of chlorophyll and carotenoids for this process, further supporting their close biological relationship.
Different evolutionary paths to photosynthesis are evidenced in various types of algae. However, all algae have the capability of photosynthesis thanks to the presence of chloroplasts, which likely originated from an endosymbiotic event where a progenitor eukaryote engulfed a photosynthetic cyanobacterium.