Photosynthesis Defined
- Simple, inorganic compounds are converted into complex organic ones by photosynthesis
- The energy required is provided by light
- Photosynthesis occurs in autotrophic organisms such as plants, algae and cyanobacteria
- H2O and CO2 are the raw materials
- Photosynthesis is a form of energy conversion, from light energy to chemical energy, stored in biomass
- Energy is stored within the bonds of these organic compounds
- Photosynthesis can be thought of as the exact reverse of respiration
- Respiration is the process by which energy is released from organic molecules in living cells
- The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is as follows:
The basic equation of photosynthesis as it takes place in a leaf
The chemical equation for photosynthesis
Examiner Tip
Remember, energy is never created or destroyed; it is only ever converted from one form to another!