Photosynthesis (simple exam explanation)
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food using sunlight.
👉 It happens mainly in the leaves, inside tiny structures called chloroplasts that contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
🧪 The basic equation (good to memorize)
Carbon dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen
✅ Glucose = plant food (energy storage)
✅ Oxygen = released into the air
☀️ Two main stages of photosynthesis
1️⃣ Light-dependent reactions
Where: Thylakoid membranes
Need: Light + water
What happens: Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. Water is split. Energy molecules are produced.
2️⃣ Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
Where: Stroma of chloroplast
Need: Carbon dioxide + ATP
What happens: The plant uses stored energy to convert CO2 into glucose.
🧠 Easy memory trick
Light stage → makes energy
Calvin cycle → makes sugar