Photosynthesis Equation
Despite the fact that both types of photosynthesis are complex, multistep processes, the entire procedure can be neatly condensed into a chemical equation.
The oxygenic (with oxygen usage) photosynthesis equation is:
6CO2 + 12H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Here, light energy is used to mix 12 molecules of water (H2O) with six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2). As a result, six molecules each of oxygen and water are formed, as well as one molecule of a carbohydrate (C6H12O6, or glucose).
Similarly, a single generalized formula can be used to express all anoxygenic (without oxygen usage) photosynthesis reactions:
CO2 + 2H2A + Light Energy → [CH2O] + 2A + H2O
Through tiny holes on their leaves known as stomata, plants take in CO2 from the atmosphere and release it along with water and oxygen. The guardians of gas exchange between a plant’s interior and the outside world are stomata.
Stomata release oxygen and allow water vapor to secrete out while they are open, allowing CO2 to enter the system. Stomata close in an effort to lessen the amount of water lost, but doing so prevents the plant from absorbing CO2 for photosynthesis. For plants that grow in hot, dry climates, this trade-off between CO2 intake and water loss presents a unique challenge.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a complex and natural process, where green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert sunlight (light energy), carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (chemical energy) and oxygen. Photosynthesis uses sunlight along with carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The produced oxygen is released into the atmosphere while glucose is used as chemical energy by the plant. Photosynthesis, in short, is the process of food-making by the plants for their energy requirements.
Table of Content
- What is Photosynthesis?
- Photosynthesis Diagram
- Where Does Photosynthesis take place?
- Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis Equation
- Photosynthetic Pigments
- Structure of Chlorophyll
- Process of Photosynthesis
- Types of Photosynthesis
- Importance of Photosynthesis