Photosynthesis Formula

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy for themselves to live. Some of the chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules that are produced by the process of carbon assimilation. Carbohydrate molecules like sugars and starches are produced from carbon dioxide and water with the use of chlorophyll and external energy sources like light, as well as with the involvement of oxygen. The majority of the oxygen required for life on Earth is produced by photosynthesis. It also maintains the oxygen content of the Earth’s atmosphere and supplies most of the energy necessary for life on Earth, so it is an extremely important process for the existence of life on Earth. The word “photosynthesis” is derived from the ancient Greek words phōs (φῶς) and synthesis (σύνθεσις) which mean “light” and “putting together”. Photoautotrophs are the organisms that perform photosynthesis, such as algae, cyanobacteria, and most plants.

Photosynthesis Formula

6CO₂ + 12H₂O + Light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ + 6H₂O

Carbon-dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen + Water

The above equation is the overall reaction for photosynthesis. Here, six molecules of carbon dioxide and twelve molecules of water combine to produce a glucose molecule, six molecules of water, and six molecules of gaseous oxygen with the use of light and chlorophyll. The glucose is used to provide energy to the plant whereas the oxygen and water will be released back into the atmosphere to help other living organisms.

Types of Photosynthesis

There are two kinds of photosynthesis depending upon the production of oxygen, namely, oxygenic photosynthesis and anoxygenic photosynthesis. 

Oxygenic Photosynthesis

Oxygenic photosynthesis is a photosynthetic process where carbon dioxide and water combine in the presence of sunlight to produce carbohydrates and oxygen. It is seen in green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that contain chlorophyll. 

Anoxygenic Photosynthesis

Anoxygenic Photosynthesis is a photosynthetic process that does not produce oxygen. It is seen in certain bacterial groups that possess bacteriochlorophylls such as purple bacteria, green sulfur, heliobacteria, etc.

Importance of Photosynthesis

• The process of photosynthesis is crucial for the existence of life on Earth.
• It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into oxygen, which is necessary for most living beings to survive on Earth.
• It also produces carbohydrates that provide energy to plants, which helps them grow and live.
• It is a primary agent for food production on this planet.
• It is a fundamental part of the carbon cycle. So, if photosynthesis does not take place, then the carbon cycle could not occur, and there would be little to no oxygen on the planet. It makes it difficult for living creatures to survive, and plants will eventually die as a result. As living beings breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide as a by-product, which is used by plants to produce the food required.
• Photosynthesis is an important carbon fixation mechanism as it allows plants and algae to store energy by converting carbon dioxide into sugar molecules. Carbon fixation is the process through which carbon dioxide is converted into sugars.

Difference between Oxygenic and Anoxygenic Photosynthesis

Table below explains the difference between Oxygenic and Anoxygenic Photosynthesis.

Oxygenic Photosynthesis	Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Oxygenic Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy with the help of chlorophyll present in green autotrophs. It involves the liberation of molecular oxygen.	Anoxygenic Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy by some bacteria. It does not involve the release of molecular oxygen
Here, photosystem I and photosystem II both are present.	Here, photosystem I is present and photosystem II is absent.
Chlorophyll is used.	Chlorophyll or Bacteriochlorophyll is used.
It is done by green plants, cyanobacteria, and some algae.	It is done by Green sulfur bacteria, green and red filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs (FAPs), etc.

FAQs on Photosynthesis

Question 1: What is meant by photosynthesis?

Answer:

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy for themselves to live.

Question 2: Why is photosynthesis important?

Answer:

The process of photosynthesis is crucial for the existence of life on Earth. It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into oxygen, which is necessary for most living beings to survive on Earth. It also produces carbohydrates that provide energy to plants, which help them grow and live. It is a primary agent for food production on this planet. It is also a fundamental part of the carbon cycle.

Question 3: What are the different types of photosynthesis?

Answer:

There are two kinds of photosynthesis depending upon the production of oxygen, namely, oxygenic photosynthesis and anoxygenic photosynthesis.

Question 4: Define oxygenic photosynthesis.

Answer:

Oxygenic photosynthesis is a photosynthetic process where carbon dioxide and water combine in the presence of sunlight to produce carbohydrates and oxygen. It is seen in green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that contain chlorophyll.

Question 5: What is the photosynthesis formula?

Answer:

6CO₂ + 12H₂O + Light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ + 6H₂O

Carbon-dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen + Water

Question 6: What is meant by carbon fixation?

Answer:

Photosynthesis is an important carbon fixation mechanism as it allows plants and algae to store energy by converting carbon dioxide into sugar molecules. Carbon fixation is the process through which carbon dioxide is converted into sugars.