Explain the mechanism of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare their food in the presence of sunlight. Green plants utilize carbon dioxide and water to make carbohydrate. The reaction of photosynthesis can be shown by following equation:
The whole process of Photosynthesis is composed of following steps:
(a) Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll
(b) Conversion of light energy into chemical energy
(c) Splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
(d) Reduction of carbon dioxide to form carbohydrate
These steps need not take place one after another immediately. For example;
desert plants take up carbon dioxide at night to make an intermediate. During daytime, they make carbohydrate. After photosynthesis, carbohydrate is converted into starch and starch is stored in different plant organs.
