Question

Describe the process of Photosynthesis and write its balanced chemical equation.

Hint:

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight and chlorophyll, releasing oxygen as a by-product.

Answer 1

Concept: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria prepare their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. This process takes place mainly in the leaves of plants in the presence of chlorophyll. During photosynthesis, light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and oxygen is released as a by-product.
Step 1:Absorption of Light Energy.
The leaves of plants contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, which provides the energy required for the photosynthesis process.
Step 2:Uptake of Raw Materials.
Plants require two main raw materials for photosynthesis:

• Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which enters the leaves through tiny pores called stomata.
• Water from the soil, which is absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves through xylem tissues.

Step 3:Conversion into Food.
Using the absorbed sunlight energy, carbon dioxide and water combine in the chloroplasts of leaf cells to produce glucose. Glucose is the food produced by plants and may be stored as starch.
Step 4:Release of Oxygen.
During the process of photosynthesis, oxygen is produced as a by-product. This oxygen is released into the atmosphere through stomata.
Step 5:Balanced Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis.
The overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis can be written as: \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight, Chlorophyll}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \] This equation shows that carbon dioxide and water combine in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll to produce glucose and oxygen.