Photosynthesis is a biological process that converts the raw materials of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants can prepare their own food. ‘Photo’ means light and ‘synthesis’ means production or preparation. Therefore, the process of photosynthesis involves preparation of food using light from the Sun.
The process of photosynthesis is carried out in the leaves of green plants. The raw materials required for photosynthesis are : light (obtained from sunlight), water (obtained from the soil by the roots) and carbon dioxide (from the air). Using these raw materials and in the presence of the green-coloured pigment chlorophyll, plants prepare glucose, which can be burnt to provide energy in all organisms. Another important byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen, which helps most organisms to sustain.
It generally occurs in the leaves of green plants and requires light energy in order to make the reaction happen. (It is a photochemical reaction as it requires light and it is endothermic as it absorbs energy)
Photosynthesis itself occurs in chloroplasts which contain the green pigment known as chlorophyll.
The equations for this reaction are.
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
The glucose produced is then used by the plant in order to allow respiration which releases energy needed for the plant. The glucose can also be stored by the plant as starch or converted into many other useful products.