Answer:
React to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). This process occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, primarily located in the leaves of plants. The overall balanced equation for photosynthesis can be represented as:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
In this equation, carbon dioxide and water are the reactants, and glucose and oxygen are the products. The reaction is driven by the absorption of light energy through pigments, such as chlorophyll, found in the chloroplasts. These pigments capture photons of light, initiating a series of chemical reactions that ultimately convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
The glucose produced during photosynthesis serves as a source of energy and serves various functions in plants. It can be broken down through cellular respiration to release energy for plant growth, maintenance, and other metabolic processes. Additionally, glucose can be converted into other organic molecules, such as starch or cellulose, for storage or structural purposes within the plant.
Meanwhile, the oxygen released during photosynthesis plays a vital role in supporting aerobic respiration in living organisms, including plants themselves. It is released into the atmosphere, allowing organisms to utilize it as an oxidizing agent to release energy from organic molecules through respiration. Overall, photosynthesis is a fundamental process for sustaining life on Earth, as it provides the energy-rich molecules and oxygen necessary for the survival of plants, animals, and other organisms in various ecosystems.