Green organisms, such as algae, and some microorganisms use a process called photosynthesis that transforms sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. It takes place in the chloroplasts that that contain a substance called chlorophyll which absorbs the sunlight. Photosynthesis has several important features:-
(i)Oxygen production: As the result of photosynthesis, oxygen is produced by plants. Most organisms, including humans who need oxygen for breathing, rely on it for survival.
(ii)Solar energy conversion: The main process by which solar energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose is photosynthesis. Plants need this powerful glucose to carry out a number of metabolic processes required for growth, development, and reproduction.
(iii)Food Production: The base of the food system chain is photosynthesis. As the main suppliers, plants create their own food through a process called photosynthesis. As plants are eaten by herbivores and herbivores by carnivores, an extensive chain of nutrients and energy cycling develops.
(iv)Photosynthesis has an essential function in the regulation of the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide (CO2) level. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2, lowering its concentration and minimizing the greenhouse effect, which aids in regulating the climate.
(v)Formation of Fossil Fuels: Over millions of years, photosynthesis-produced organic matter can be transformed into energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. These fossil fuels are an important source of energy today as they contain solar energy from ancient photosynthesis.