Question

Answer the following:
(i) Give the overall chemical equation of photosynthesis in green plants.
(ii) Mention two significant advantages of photosynthesis to the living world as a whole.

Answer 1

(i) 6CO₂ + 12H₂O $\underset{\mathrm{Chlorophyll}}{\overset{\mathrm{Sunlight}}{\to }}$ C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ + 6H₂O

(ii) Two significant advantages of photosynthesis to the living world as a whole:

• The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is maintained at a constant due to photosynthesis.
• The byproduct of photosynthesis, i.e., oxygen, is the major factor responsible for the sustenance of life on earth. Photosynthesis is the only process that converts solar energy into chemical energy (food) not just for plants but all other forms of life directly or indirectly.