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What is photosynthesis ?

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The word “photosynthesis” is derived from the Greek words phōs .Phōs means “light” and σύνθεσις means, “combining together.” This means “combining together with the help of light.”

Photosynthesis also applies to other organisms besides green plants. These include several prokaryotes such as cyanobacteria, purple bacteria, and green sulfur bacteria. These organisms exhibit photosynthesis just like green plants. The glucose produced during photosynthesis is then used to fuel various cellular activities. The by-product of this physio-chemical process is oxygen.

Photosynthesis Reaction


A visual representation of the photosynthesis reaction

Photosynthesis occurs when plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Leaves contain microscopic cellular organelles known as chloroplasts.

Each chloroplast contains a green-colored pigment called chlorophyll. Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules whereas carbon dioxide and oxygen enter through the tiny pores of stomata located in the epidermis of leaves.

These sugars are then sent to the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. In other words, these sugars are used by the plants as an energy source, which helps them to grow. These sugar molecules then combine with each other to form more complex carbohydrates like cellulose and starch. Cellulose is considered the structural material that is used in plant cell walls.



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