Write the steps of photosynthesis.
1. Light-dependent reactions: During this stage, chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts absorb sunlight and convert it into chemical energy. This energy is used to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen ions, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
2. Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions): In this stage, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is combined with the hydrogen ions produced in the light-dependent reactions to produce glucose. This process requires ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) as energy sources.
3. Sugar production: The glucose produced in the Calvin cycle is used by the plant as a source of energy for growth and cellular functions. Excess glucose may be stored as starch or used to produce other organic compounds.
4. Oxygen release: Throughout the photosynthesis process, oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct of the water-splitting reaction in the light-dependent reactions.
5. Overall equation: The overall equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2, indicating the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen with the help of sunlight.