Section: STEM · BiologyDifficulty: Easy
Photosynthesis
USUK
The process plants use to convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into glucose and oxygen.
Definition
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. It occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions in the thylakoid membranes that capture solar energy, and the Calvin cycle in the stroma that fixes carbon dioxide into sugar. Photosynthesis is the foundation of most food webs on Earth.
Example
“A sunflower absorbs sunlight through its leaves, draws water from the soil through its roots, and pulls carbon dioxide from the air through stomata, producing the glucose that fuels its growth and the oxygen we breathe.”
Synonyms
- carbon fixation
- solar energy conversion
- light-driven synthesis
Antonyms / Opposites
- cellular respiration
- decomposition
Images
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Related Terms
- Cellular Respiration
- Chloroplast
- Calvin Cycle
- Glucose