Photosynthesis is a biological process employed by plants, algae, and specific bacteria to convert sunlight into energy-rich compounds and oxygen. This fundamental process supports life on Earth. Let's break it down in simpler terms:
Harvesting Sunlight: Plants contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which is like a sunlight magnet, especially for the blue and red parts of sunlight.
Inhaling Carbon Dioxide: Through tiny openings in their leaves and stems, plants breathe in carbon dioxide (the gas we breathe out).
Drinking Water: Plants drink water from their roots.
Light-Powered Reactions: Inside the plant, sunlight helps split water into oxygen and some vital molecules such as ATP and NADPH. This phase is known as "light-dependent reactions."
Creating Food: In the next phase, called the "Calvin cycle" or "light-independent reactions," plants use carbon dioxide to create sugars like glucose.
Oxygen Release: Extra oxygen generated during the light-dependent reactions is released into the air.
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