What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose. This process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight. The overall reaction of photosynthesis can be summarized by the equation:

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2

This indicates that carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, are transformed into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as a vital source of energy for the plant and can later be used in cellular respiration, stored, or converted into other forms of energy.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the definition of photosynthesis. The process described in option B pertains to respiration, which is a metabolic process carried out by animals and plants to convert the energy stored in glucose into a usable form (ATP). Option C refers to nutrient cycling in ecosystems and does not directly relate to the energy conversion process in plants. Lastly, option D describes a conversion that occurs in processes like combustion or metabolic reactions, but it does not align with photosynthesis, as that process focuses on capturing and storing energy rather