Photosynthesis is the process by which plants (that contain chlorophyll) convert light energy from the sun to chemical energy. The balanced chemical equation can be written as:
`6CO_2 + 6H_2O + sunlight -> C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2`
In this process, plants use up carbon dioxide and water and in the presence of sunlight convert them to glucose and oxygen.
These two products are very useful. Glucose is then converted to energy and/or other molecules for the plant's growth and maintenance and is then directly/indirectly consumed as food by other organisms. Oxygen is needed for the survival of all the aerobic species on Earth, including human beings. This process also controls the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and this is the reason plants are considered a sink for carbon dioxide.
Hope this helps.
No comments:
Post a Comment