What is Photosynthesis?

•The name photosynthesis refers to the use of light to create something new.

•Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that uses carbon dioxide gas and water to make a simple sugar and oxygen.

•Photosynthesis occurs within the chloroplast of autotrophs and in the presence of sunlight.

•Photosynthesis can be written as the equation:

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6CO2 + 6H2O à C6H12O6 + 6O2

•The “à” represents the occurrence of a chemical reaction.

•The molecules to the left of the “à” are the “reactants,” and the molecules to the right of the “à” are the “products.”