Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as follows:
\[ 6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2 \]
In this equation:
- \( \text{CO}_2 \) (carbon dioxide) is taken in from the atmosphere.
- \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) (water) is absorbed by the plant roots from the soil.
- Light energy, primarily from sunlight, is captured by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
- \( \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6 \) (glucose) is produced as a form of chemical energy that the plant can use for growth and metabolism.
- \( \text{O}_2 \) (oxygen) is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
So, the key molecules involved in photosynthesis include:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Water (H2O)
- Glucose (C6H12O6)
- Oxygen (O2)
The process of photosynthesis occurs mainly in the leaves of plants within specialized cell structures called chloroplasts.