Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis

• Process by which plants, algae, and certain microorganisms transform light energy from the sun into chemical energy of food
• Energy from sunlight is harnessed to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar molecules and oxygen

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Enables photosynthetic organisms to store and use energy to grow and thrive
• Transfers chemical energy to animals that eat plants and other photosynthetic organisms, and to animals that eat other animals (food chain)
• Oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere (or aquatic environment) and used by organisms for cellular respiration

Impact on Life on Earth

• Directly and indirectly supplies food we eat and air we breathe
• Fundamental to Earth's food supply, without it, most organisms would disappear, and the planet would become devoid of oxygen
• Supports ecosystem