Here's why:
* Photosynthesis Equation: The basic equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
* Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the reactants.
* Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are the products.
* Splitting Water: During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, water molecules are split apart. This process releases electrons, which are used to power the conversion of light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH). The oxygen atoms from the water molecules are then combined to form oxygen gas (O₂).
So, the oxygen we breathe is a byproduct of the splitting of water molecules during photosynthesis.
