Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. Photosynthesis changes sunlight into chemical energy, splits water to liberate O 2, and fixes CO 2 into sugar.

Understanding the Context

Most photosynthetic organisms are photoautotrophs, which means that they are able to synthesize food directly from carbon dioxide and water using energy from light. Learn about photosynthesis with a definition, diagram, and glossary. Discover the chemical reaction formula and explore the process. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.

Key Insights

Explore the photosynthesis process with detailed steps, chemical equation, and diagrams. Understand how plants convert light into energy. It is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy that is used to make glucose. The word ‘photosynthesis’ is derived from the Greek word phōs, meaning ‘light’ and synthesis meaning ‘combining together.’. Photosynthesis is the biological process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and organic compounds, primarily glucose, from carbon dioxide and water.

Final Thoughts

It is called photosynthesis—the astonishing cellular ballet that captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy, literally turning light into life. Plants perform this miracle every second of every day, not only to survive, but to sustain nearly all life on Earth. Photosynthesis sustains virtually all life on planet Earth providing the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat; it forms the basis of global food chains and meets the majority of humankind's current energy needs through fossilized photosynthetic fuels.