* Carbon dioxide (CO2): This is obtained from the atmosphere.
* Water (H2O): This is absorbed from the soil through the roots of plants.
* Sunlight: This provides the energy needed to drive the reaction.
The process that uses these reactants is photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages:
1. Light-dependent reactions: This stage captures light energy and uses it to split water molecules, releasing oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. This process also produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a high-energy molecule, and NADPH, a reducing agent.
2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): This stage uses the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose (C6H12O6), a sugar that serves as a source of energy for the plant.
So, in summary:
Reactants: CO2, H2O, sunlight
Process: Photosynthesis
Products: Glucose (C6H12O6), Oxygen (O2)