Question

Explain the mechanism of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants produce their own food by utilizing sunlight, CO₂ and water. CO₂ and water are converted to carbohydrates with the evolution of oxygen. Photosynthesis reaction can be given by the following reaction -

$$6\mathrm{CO}{\phantom{A}}_2+6\mathrm{H}{\phantom{A}}_2\mathrm{O}\stackrel{\mathrm{Sunlight}}{⟶}\mathrm{C}{\phantom{A}}_6\mathrm{H}{\phantom{A}}_{12}\mathrm{O}{\phantom{A}}_6+6\mathrm{O}{\phantom{A}}_2$$

Process of Photosynthesis is divided into 4 processes - 

1. Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll
2. Conversion of light energy into chemical energy
3. Splitting of water molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen
4. Reduction of CO2 to produce carbohydrates