Answer:
The process of photosynthesis converts carbon atoms from carbon dioxide into glucose (a sugar molecule).
Step-by-step explanation:
During photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
1. Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Plants have small openings called stomata on their leaves that allow carbon dioxide to enter. The carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere and diffuses into the leaf cells.
2. Light Absorption: Chlorophyll, a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells, absorbs light energy from the sun. This energy is used to power the process of photosynthesis.
3. Production of ATP: The absorbed light energy is used to convert ADP (adenosine diphosphate) into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is a form of chemical energy that can be used by the plant.
4. Splitting Water: Water molecules from the plant's roots are transported to the chloroplasts. Through a process called photolysis, the water molecules are split into hydrogen ions (H+) and oxygen atoms.
5. Carbon Fixation: The carbon dioxide molecules that were absorbed earlier combine with the hydrogen ions produced from the splitting of water. This process is known as carbon fixation. With the help of an enzyme called RuBisCO, the carbon dioxide is converted into an organic molecule called PGA (phosphoglycerate).
6. Conversion to Glucose: PGA is then converted into glucose through a series of chemical reactions known as the Calvin cycle. Glucose is a sugar molecule that serves as a source of energy for the plant and is also used to build other organic compounds.
Overall, photosynthesis is a vital process that converts carbon atoms from carbon dioxide into glucose, which serves as a source of energy and building blocks for plants and other organisms.