Plant Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the single most important physico-biochemical process of the world on which the existence of life on earth depends. Photosynthesis is the only process on earth by which solar energy is trapped by autotrophic organisms and converted into food for the rest of the organisms. It is one of the most massive, interesting and complex chemical event going on the earth. In this process, energy rich compounds like carbohydrates are synthesized from simple inorganic compounds like carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight with liberation of oxygen.

Basically photosynthesis is the absorption of light energy and its conversion into stable chemical potential. It is best approached as a three phase process:

1. The absorption of light and retention of light energy.
2. The conversion of light energy into chemical potential.
3. The stabilization and storage of chemical potential.

The summary equation of photosynthesis can be given as under:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O ——–> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Above reaction gives an idea that O₂ comes from CO₂. Now it is finally confirmed that O₂ is liberated from H₂O. Thus, overall reaction can be corrected as given below:

6CO₂ + 12H₂O ——–> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ + 6H₂O