Photosynthesis is a biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy. This process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, using chlorophyll to capture light energy. The primary reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), which, in the presence of sunlight, undergo a series of chemical reactions to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
The main product of photosynthesis is glucose, a simple sugar that serves as an essential energy source for plants and, indirectly, for other organisms in the food chain. Glucose can be used immediately by the plant for energy through cellular respiration or stored in the form of starch for later use. Additionally, oxygen, a byproduct of photosynthesis, is released into the atmosphere, playing a vital role in maintaining life on Earth by supporting aerobic respiration in animals and humans.
Photosynthesis is crucial for sustaining life, as it provides the foundation of the food chain and helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, thus contributing to the balance of the global ecosystem.
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