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6CO + 6H O + Light C H O + 6O : Chloroplasts Chlorophyll Light-Dependent Reactions Calvin Cycle

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, producing oxygen as a byproduct. It occurs in chloroplasts and involves two main stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle, which are essential for maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels and supporting the food chain. Current research includes artificial photosynthesis aimed at generating clean energy.

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14 views1 page

6CO + 6H O + Light C H O + 6O : Chloroplasts Chlorophyll Light-Dependent Reactions Calvin Cycle

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, producing oxygen as a byproduct. It occurs in chloroplasts and involves two main stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle, which are essential for maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels and supporting the food chain. Current research includes artificial photosynthesis aimed at generating clean energy.

Uploaded by

gudboooy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert

light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It’s quite literally the reason we have
oxygen to breathe and food to eat. Without it, life as we know it wouldn’t exist.

The basic equation of photosynthesis is:


6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

This reaction takes place primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Inside these chloroplasts
are green pigments called chlorophyll which absorb sunlight. The process is divided into two
stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.

In the light-dependent reactions, sunlight hits chlorophyll and energizes electrons. This energy
is used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. The energy captured is
stored in molecules like ATP and NADPH. During the Calvin cycle, carbon dioxide from the air
is fixed using ATP and NADPH to create glucose.

Photosynthesis is crucial for maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels. It also forms the base of
the food chain—plants feed herbivores, which feed carnivores, and so on. It even helps fight
climate change by pulling CO₂ from the air.

Today, scientists are researching artificial photosynthesis to generate clean energy.


Photosynthesis is more than just a plant process—it’s a survival blueprint for Earth.

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