Final answer:
Photosynthesis is a process that uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create glucose and other carbohydrates, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. It involves capturing solar energy in the chloroplasts of plants, splitting water molecules, and synthesizing sugar molecules in the Calvin cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The components of photosynthesis include sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. These reactants meet in the chloroplasts of plant cells where photosynthesis occurs. The process converts sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose and other carbohydrates, which are high in energy and essential for life.
Photosynthesis involves multiple steps. Initially, the sunlight is captured by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts. This light energy is then used to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen ions. The oxygen is released as a byproduct, while the energy from the light reaction is transferred to the Calvin cycle. In the Calvin cycle, carbon dioxide and the energy from the light reactions are used to produce the sugar molecule GA3P, which can be converted into glucose and other sugars.
Understanding the relevance of photosynthesis is crucial, as it is the foundation of the food chain, providing energy for all living things. By converting solar energy into chemical energy, photosynthesis sustains life on Earth.