Here's the breakdown:
* Consumed: Carbon dioxide is taken in from the atmosphere through tiny pores on the leaves called stomata.
* Produced: Oxygen is released as a byproduct of the process.
The overall equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Where:
* CO2 = Carbon dioxide
* H2O = Water
* Light energy = Sunlight
* C6H12O6 = Glucose (sugar)
* O2 = Oxygen
So, in essence, plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (their food) and release oxygen as a waste product. This process is crucial for life on Earth, as it provides the oxygen we breathe and is the foundation of the food chain.