Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting life on Earth. Using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, plants produce glucose, which serves as energy for growth and development. This process not only fuels plants but also produces oxygen, essential for life on our planet.
Photosynthesis is carried out in chloroplasts within plant cells, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. The process can be broken down into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. Photosynthesis plays a key role in the Earth’s carbon cycle, reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contributing to climate regulation.