Final answer:
Photosynthesis is the process by which light energy is transformed into stored chemical energy. It occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves the absorption of sunlight by chlorophyll, the generation of energy carriers, and the conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of photosynthesis involves the transformation of light energy into stored chemical energy. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
- Photosynthesis begins with sunlight being absorbed by chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant cells.
- The absorbed light energy causes electrons in chlorophyll to become excited and move to higher energy levels.
- The excited electrons are transferred to electron carrier molecules, such as NADPH and ATP, which temporarily store the chemical energy.
- The light reactions of photosynthesis take place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.
- During these reactions, energy from sunlight is used to generate ATP and NADPH, which serve as energy carriers.
- This captured energy is then used in the second stage of photosynthesis, called the Calvin cycle, to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, a form of stored chemical energy.