Here's how it works:
1. Light-dependent reactions: Plants and some algae use sunlight to energize electrons in chlorophyll. These energized electrons are used to split water molecules (H₂O).
2. Oxygen release: The splitting of water releases oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct, which is then released into the atmosphere.
3. Hydrogen capture: The hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the water molecules are combined with a molecule called NADP⁺ to form NADPH.
4. ATP production: The energy from sunlight is also used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells.
In summary: Photosynthesis is the process where plants and algae use sunlight to split water molecules, producing oxygen as a byproduct and providing the necessary energy for the production of ATP and NADPH.
