Final answer:
The best equation to summarize photosynthesis is 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2, which shows the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that best summarizes the overall reactions of photosynthesis is 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. This equation indicates that photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using the energy from sunlight.
During photosynthesis, two main stages occur: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions or Calvin cycle. The light-dependent reactions harness solar energy to produce ATP and NADPH, while the Calvin cycle uses those energy carriers to fix carbon dioxide into glucose. Overall, photosynthesis is a critical biological process that not only produces essential organic compounds but also releases oxygen, which is crucial for the survival of aerobic organisms.