Photosynthesis produces two main products: glucose and oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants use light energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) which serves as food and energy storage for the plant. Oxygen is produced as a by-product and released into the atmosphere. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6H2O + 6CO2 + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen) Thus, the primary outputs of photosynthesis are glucose, which stores chemical energy for the plant, and oxygen, which is released as waste gas. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells where chlorophyll captures sunlight to drive the reaction. In summary:
- Glucose (C6H12O6): energy storage and food for the plant
- Oxygen (O2): released into the atmosphere as a byproduct
This explains how photosynthesis sustains plants and contributes oxygen to the atmosphere.
