What is photosynthesis in biology?

What is photosynthesis in biology?

Origin of the word photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is derived from the Greek word phos meaning light and sunthesis meaning putting together.

Photosynthesis definition | What is the meaning of photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy. This process is essential for the survival and growth of these organisms, as it allows them to produce their own food using energy from the sun and simple nutrients like water and carbon dioxide.

During photosynthesis, chlorophyll (a pigment found in the cells of plants and other photosynthesizing organisms) absorbs light energy and uses it to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose (a simple sugar) and oxygen. The glucose is used by the plant as an energy source, while the oxygen is released into the air as a byproduct of the reaction.

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is divided into two stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reactions convert light energy into chemical energy (in the form of ATP and NADPH), while the light-independent reactions use this energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide.

Overall, photosynthesis is an essential process that provides the primary source of energy for most life on Earth. It also plays a critical role in regulating the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere.