Here's a simplified breakdown:
1. Light-dependent reactions:
- Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, a green pigment found in chloroplasts (organelles within plant cells).
- This light energy is used to split water molecules (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂), which is released as a byproduct, and hydrogen ions (H⁺).
- The light energy is also used to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that stores chemical energy.
2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle):
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere is absorbed by the plant.
- The H⁺ ions and ATP from the light-dependent reactions are used to convert CO₂ into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), a simple sugar that acts as a source of chemical energy.
In essence, photosynthesis converts sunlight energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, which the plant can then use for growth, reproduction, and other life processes.
