Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis Definition 

The process of conversion of light energy into chemical energy can be defined as photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical energy is done by green plants and certain other organisms.  

What is Photosynthesis 

After learning about the definition of photosynthesis, an idea regarding the process can be gained. The process of photosynthesis takes place when the plants that are green in colour capture light energy and use it for converting carbon dioxide, water and minerals into organic compounds that are rich in energy. 

Photosynthesis Characteristics 

It can be said that photosynthesis is a very important process for sustaining life on Earth. There can be a lot of notable characteristics of this process of photosynthesis such as it is the basic method for converting energy that helps in fueling the world of plants and therefore the world of animals as well. Certain basic characteristics of photosynthesis can include that it takes place in green plants. The process uses raw materials such as sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. An important pigment used in the process of photosynthesis is chlorophyll. The end products of photosynthesis include oxygen and glucose. 

 Overall Reaction of Photosynthesis 

Photosynthesis can be described as a light-energized oxidation-reduction process in terms of chemistry. The chemical equation that can help understand the process of photosynthesis can be represented as – 

Through the above equation, it can be observed that in the presence of light, green plants can convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, water and glucose.  

It should be noted that the chemical equation is simply a summary of the complete process of photosynthesis. The above chemical equation highlights the process of photosynthesis briefly. 

                                                        Diagram for photosynthesis 

The above diagram helps in giving a pictorial depiction of the whole process and understanding the photosynthesis equation in a better manner. 

Basic Products of Photosynthesis 

The chemical equation of photosynthesis helps in learning that the basic products of the process include carbohydrates, glucose, oxygen and water. Thus, through this, the products formed after the photosynthesis process has taken place can be understood.  

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

There can be certain factors which can impact photosynthesis in different ways. For instance, the intensity of light can be the first-factor impacting photosynthesis. It can be said that if the intensity of light is increased up to a certain extent, then the process of photosynthesis can get boosted. The concentration of carbon dioxide is another important factor that can impact photosynthesis. Further, the level of temperature can also impact photosynthesis such that with very cold weather the rate of photosynthesis can decline. 

Process of Photosynthesis 

The process of photosynthesis is useful for sustaining life on the planet Earth. This process involves light hitting the chlorophyll in the plant’s leaves. This is then passed on in the reactive centers, more specifically to the paired chlorophyll. Here, the energy is used for combining carbon, water and oxygen into a novel physical arrangement. This physical arrangement includes glucose which can be explained as a basic plant sugar. When this rearrangement is disassembled it leads to the release of energy that can be useful for other physical processes. Some energy can even get lost during the process. After this process of photosynthesis has occurred, the later stages can involve the conversion of glucose lipids and complex carbohydrates. These two can be explained as conveniently stored forms of chemical energy.