Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose. This process takes place in specialized structures called chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll.
During photosynthesis, the chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts absorb light energy, which is then used to power a series of chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Photosynthesis is an essential process for life on Earth, as it provides the basis for most of the food chains and ecosystems on the planet. The organic compounds produced by photosynthesis serve as a source of energy and building blocks for living organisms, and the oxygen released during photosynthesis is essential for the survival of many organisms, including humans.