Photosynthesis is the biological process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. During this process, carbon dioxide and water are used to produce glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, captures sunlight to power this transformation. Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions, which produce ATP and NADPH while splitting water to release oxygen, and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle), which use ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This process is fundamental for producing oxygen and sustaining life on Earth by providing energy for organisms.
