Photosynthesis is the biological process through which green plants, algae, and some

bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and
oxygen. This process occurs in specialized structures within plant cells called chloroplasts,
specifically in the green pigment called chlorophyll.
Here's a breakdown of the process of photosynthesis:
1. Absorption of Light Energy: Chlorophyll pigments in chloroplasts capture light energy
from the sun. This energy is crucial for photosynthesis to occur. The pigments
primarily absorb light in the red and blue regions of the electromagnetic spectrum,
while reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green to our eyes.
2. Conversion of Light Energy: The absorbed light energy is used to power a series of
chemical reactions within the chloroplasts. These reactions take place in two main
stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also
known as the Calvin cycle or the dark reactions).
3. Light-Dependent Reactions: In this stage, light energy is converted into chemical
energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These energy carriers are generated through a
process called photophosphorylation. During this process, water molecules are also
split, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This is the source of the oxygen we breathe.
4. Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions): The ATP and NADPH generated in the
light-dependent reactions are used in the Calvin cycle. In this stage, carbon dioxide
from the air is incorporated into a series of chemical reactions to produce glucose.
This process is also known as carbon fixation. The glucose produced serves as a vital
energy source for plants, and it can be used to build other complex organic
molecules necessary for growth and development.
Overall, the process of photosynthesis is essential for sustaining life on Earth. It plays a
crucial role in the global carbon cycle, as plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
during photosynthesis, helping to regulate its levels. Additionally, photosynthesis is
responsible for producing oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere and utilized by
living organisms, including humans, during respiration.
It's worth noting that while plants are the primary organisms that carry out photosynthesis,
some types of algae and certain bacteria, such as cyanobacteria, also possess the ability to
perform this process.