While there are many steps behind the process of photosynthesis, it can be broken down into two major stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions.
During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs energy from blue- and red-light waves, and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green. Within the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast is a light-absorbing pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for giving the plant its green color. Inside the plant cell are small organelles called chloroplasts, which store the energy of sunlight. The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy within the glucose molecules. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. Herbivores then obtain this energy by eating plants, and carnivores obtain it by eating herbivores.ĭuring photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO 2) and water (H 2O) from the air and soil. Most life on Earth depends on photosynthesis.The process is carried out by plants, algae, and some types of bacteria, which capture energy from sunlight to produce oxygen (O 2) and chemical energy stored in glucose (a sugar).
