Final answer:
Photosynthesis is a biological process where photoautotrophs like plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria convert solar energy into chemical potential energy. They produce glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water, and this process forms the basis of most ecosystems on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which certain organisms, such as plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, use solar radiation to form organic matter is known as photosynthesis. During this process, these organisms, called photoautotrophs, absorb solar energy from the sun and convert it into chemical potential energy in the form of glucose and oxygen. They do this by synthesizing complex organic molecules like glucose and storing energy as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). The energy-capturing reaction occurs in the chlorophyll-containing structures within the cells, where the radiant energy in sunlight is transformed into stored chemical energy.
Photosynthesis is vital as it serves as the foundation for life on Earth, supporting the food webs in various ecosystems. It also plays a critical role in the atmospheric composition by removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.