Photosynthesis is the process of plants turning light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This reaction can be represented by the formula 6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. It is a salient one because it absorbs carbon dioxide, which humans breathe out, and produces oxygen, which humans need to breathe. It is split into two parts: Light Independent Reaction and Light Dependent Reactions. These reactions take place in the chloroplasts, an organelle found in plant cells.
The first reaction is the Light Dependent reaction, which needs light and water; H2O. The pigment, Chlorophyll, which also provides the green color, absorbs the light energy, primarily from the sun, into the cell. This energy powers an electron from water that moves through a pathway in the membrane. While hopping across this chain, the electron gives energy for the chemicals NADP+ and ADP to bind with Hydrogen molecules from water to create NADPH and ATP. NADPH is a molecule that helps speed reactions, and ATP is chemical energy. The byproduct is oxygen for humans to breathe. The oxygen leaves the plant cell and goes into the air, and the NADPH and ATP continue on the reaction.
In Light Independent Reactions, CO2 is necessary. This reaction is to make glucose; C6H12O6. This CO2 is bonded together to create a chain of carbons in a process called Carbon Fixation. Next, the NADPH and the ATP from the prior reaction is used to manipulate this carbon chain into glucose. At this point, glucose is formed. The glucose is then stored in the plant to use as food. After being extracted for parts, the NADPH and the ATP become NADP+ and ADP. These two products go to the Light Independent Reaction and repeat the whole process.
Photosynthesis is an intricate and complicated process that is essential to many forms of life on the planet. Without photosynthesis, humans would not survive. Therefore, I think it is significant to appreciate plants and their crucial part in life. It would also help individuals help save the environment with the newfound respect and comprehension of this process.
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