Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food. The reactants of photosynthesis are **carbon dioxide (CO2)** and **water (H2O)**. These reactants are converted into **glucose (C6H12O6)** and **oxygen (O2)** in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
**6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2**
The process of photosynthesis can be divided into two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and require light energy to produce ATP and NADPH. The light-independent reactions occur in the stroma of chloroplasts and use ATP and NADPH to produce glucose.
Here's an example: A plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air through small pores on its leaves called stomata. It also takes in water from the soil through its roots. When sunlight hits the chlorophyll in the plant's leaves, it triggers a series of chemical reactions that convert the carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose is used by the plant as an energy source, while the oxygen is released into the air as a waste product.
.
