Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrate and oxygen.
Formula / equation
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Unit
kJ/mol
In depth
Light-dependent reactions in the thylakoid membranes split water and generate ATP and NADPH, which the Calvin cycle then uses to fix carbon dioxide into sugar. The overall process is strongly endothermic at 2803 kJ per mole of glucose and supports almost all life on Earth.
Examples in the real world
Chlorophyll absorbing red and blue light and reflecting green; the origin of atmospheric oxygen and of fossil fuels.