🌱 Overview
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light
energy into chemical energy (glucose), using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
🔬 Key Equation
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
(Carbon dioxide + Water + Light → Glucose + Oxygen)
📍 Where It Happens
Inside chloroplasts (plant cell organelles)
Contains chlorophyll: green pigment that absorbs sunlight
⚙️Main Stages
1. Light-Dependent Reactions
Occur in: Thylakoid membranes
Requires sunlight 🌞
Splits water → releases O₂
Produces ATP & NADPH (energy molecules)
2. Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)
Occurs in: Stroma
Does not need light
Uses CO₂, ATP, and NADPH → makes glucose
🧠 Why It Matters
Produces oxygen for respiration
Converts solar energy into food energy
Base of the food chain (producers)
🗂 Vocabulary
Term Definition
Chloroplast Organelle where photosynthesis occurs
Chlorophyll Pigment that captures sunlight
Glucose Sugar produced by photosynthesis
ATP/NADPH Energy carriers used in the Calvin Cycle
Calvin Cycle Makes glucose without sunlight
🌍 Fun Fact
Plants make over 150 billion tons of oxygen each year through photosynthesis!