Photosynthesis is one of the most vital processes not only for plants, but for the entire ecosystem. It is the process by which plants trap sunlight and convert it into energy in the form of glucose, which they use as food. The process also releases oxygen which is essential for the survival of all living beings.
The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts contain pigments called chlorophyll that absorbs light energy from the sun. Carbon dioxide is taken in from the atmosphere by leaves and water is absorbed from the soil through roots. These raw materials are then used to create energy in the form of glucose.
The physiological and chemical reactions involved in the process of photosynthesis can be divided into two stages. The light dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts and require sunlight. The energy from light is transformed into chemical energy by the photosystems present in the thylakoid membranes.
The second stage is called the light independent reactions also known as the Calvin Cycle. In this stage, the energy stored in ATP and NADPH, produced during the light-dependent reactions, is used to fix carbon from carbon-dioxide into sugar. This stage is also known as carbon fixation.
Photosynthesis has a significant impact on the environment and contributes to the creation of our ecosystem. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale but it is also the gas that plants absorb. They use the carbon to grow and produce oxygen, which we need to breathe. This ability to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen is critical to the survival of animals and humans alike.
In conclusion, photosynthesis is the miracle of nature that provides the basis of sustainable life on Earth. Without this process, life as we know it would not exist. It is important to protect and conserve plant life and ecosystems that enable photosynthesis. By doing so, we can ensure a healthy planet for generations to come.#16#