Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. It occurs in chloroplasts, primarily in the leaves of plants. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Absorption of Light: Chlorophyll, the green pigment in chloroplasts, absorbs light energy from the sun.
Water Splitting (Photolysis): Light energy splits water molecules (H2O) into oxygen (O2), protons (H+), and electrons (e-).
Electron Transport Chain (ETC): Electrons from water molecules are transferred through a series of proteins in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, releasing energy.
ATP and NADPH Production: This energy is used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy-rich molecules.
Carbon Fixation (Calvin Cycle): In the stroma of chloroplasts, ATP and NADPH are used to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose through a series of enzyme-controlled reactions known as the Calvin Cycle.
Overall, photosynthesis converts light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose, which serves as food for the plant and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
