What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some bacteria absorb light energy from the sun using chlorophyll (a pigment in the leaves of plants responsible for the green colour) which leads to number of chemical changes. The carbon dioxide present in the leaves react with water in the presence of light energy to produce a substance called glucose. This glucose is used in respiration or converted to insoluble starch and stored. During this reaction, oxygen is produced as a by-product.

Photosynthesis takes place in leaf cells. These contain chloroplasts, which are tiny objects containing chlorophyll.

Plants absorb water through their roots and carbon dioxide through their leaves. Some glucose is used for respiration, while some is converted into insoluble starchfor storage.

Equation for photosynthesis-

Carbon dioxide + water + Light enrgy -----> Glucose + Oxygen

6CO_{2 +} ​6H₂O + Light energy ------> c₆H₁₂O₆ ​+ 3O₂