Photosynthesis uses light energy to transform carbon dioxide and water into sugars, releasing oxygen. It is fundamental to most ecosystems and to the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere.

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Overview

Plants, algae and some microorganisms use photosynthesis to make energy-rich sugars. Light supplies the energy, while carbon dioxide and water supply the atoms rearranged by the process.1

The process

In plants, photosynthesis takes place mainly in chloroplasts. The overall equation is commonly summarized as carbon dioxide plus water plus light energy producing glucose and oxygen.1

Evidence

Sources

1 reviewed sources
  1. 1
    What is Photosynthesis?

    Smithsonian Science Education Center · Website · Retrieved 22 August 2026

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