Photosynthesis is the process in which light energy is converted into chemical energy.

Using the energy of

light, carbohydrates such as sugars are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water.
The name photosynthesis is derived from the Greek words, photo for ‘light’ and synthesis meaning ‘putting
together’. Oxygen is also released, as a waste product. Light is the major factor for photosynthesis to take
place and this can be proven experimentally.

The Process of Photosynthesis

We can express the overall reaction of photosynthesis as:

The process of photosynthesis occurs during two stages :

The Light Dependent Stage (Light Stage )

Chloroplast in plant cells are vital, they contain green pigment chlorophyll which traps light energy from the
sun. This energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is a waste product and
diffuses through the stomatal pore.

Light Independent Stage (Dark Stage)

Occurs independent of light. During this step hydrogen bonds with carbon dioxide to form sugars such as
glucose.

Glucose, a carbohydrate processed during photosynthesis, is mostly used by plants as an energy source to build
leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Molecules of glucose later combine with each other to form more complex
carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose. The cellulose is the structural material used in plant cell walls.
Photosynthesis provides the basic energy source for virtually all organisms.

We can express the overall reaction of photosynthesis as:

Where does Photosynthesis occur?

Photosynthesis takes place primarily in leaves and little to none occurs in stems. It takes place within
specialized cell structures called chloroplasts. A leaf has a petiole or the stalk and a lamina, the flat portion of
the leaf. As its area is broad, the lamina helps in the absorption of sunlight and carbon dioxide during
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts that have chlorophyll present in them. It is the
chlorophyll that absorbs light energy from the sun. There are tiny pores called stomata that function as
roadways for carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to leave the plant.

Role of the colour of light during Photosynthesis

Plants use only certain colours from light for the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs blue, red
and violet light rays. Photosynthesis occurs more in blue and red light rays and less, or not at all, in green light
rays.

The light that is absorbed the best is blue, so this shows the highest rate of photosynthesis, after which comes
red light. Green light cannot be absorbed by the plant, and thus cannot be used for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll
looks green because it absorbs red and blue light, making these colours unavailable to be seen by our eyes. It is
the green light which is not absorbed that finally reaches our eyes, making the chlorophyll appear green.