PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Photosynthesis and Why
it is Necessary
Photosynthesis is a critical process
that sustains plants by enabling them to produce food. It is a process by which
plants, algae and some types of bacteria use energy from the sun, water and
carbon dioxide to produce food (glucose) and oxygen. This article gives important
insights into an exciting process called photosynthesis and its role in
supporting plant growth and development.
Components
Needed for Photosynthesis to Take Place
- Sunlight
- Chlorophyll
- Chloroplasts
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
Photosynthesis Equation
6CO2 +6H2O
+ Light Energy =>C6H12O6+6O2
Photosynthesis
Defined
Photosynthesis revolves around chlorophylls. These are molecules present in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Chlorophyll has a powerful function of harvesting light through its antenna
that plays an essential role in energy capture from light (National Geographic, n.d.).
This light energy then triggers a number of processes within the chloroplasts
of the plant cells. This causes the water
molecules to split and oxygen is released in the process, simultaneously, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere
(Spanner, 2022). These components are then
assimilated using the energy from sunlight
to manufacture glucose, a simple sugar that promotes plant growth and
development.
The photosynthesis process occurs in
two stages: The first process known as the light dependent reactions or the light dependent stage and the second
process known as the light independent reactions or the Calvin cycle (National Geographic, n.d.).
Light dependent reactions involve the absorption of light and the energy
produced is used to produce ATP and NADPH which are energy transport compounds
in the cell. These energy carriers then fuel the Calvin cycle where carbon
dioxide that has been fixed is used to synthesize glucose.
Roles
of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the most vital
process in the continuation of plant life. It is the primary means of nutrition
for most living organisms either in the natural or in the modified form
(Spanner, 2022). While herbivores consume plants,
carnivores, on the other hand, consume herbivores. Carnivorous animals consume
dead plants and animals and thus enhance the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. Such an intricate web of existence requires an ongoing
production of food by photosynthetic organisms.
In addition, photosynthesis preserves
the earth’s atmosphere by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in it, thus
reducing global warming. As it removes carbon dioxide, a gas that has an effect
of creating a green house, photosynthesis produces oxygen, which animals
require for breathing (National Geographic, n.d.). Photosynthesis is also the source of energy needed for
plant growth.
Conclusion
Photosynthesis is one of the most
significant processes for the life existence on our planet. This fantastic
process allows the plants to convert energy from the sun into food for the
plants and other living things that feed on the plants hence placing them at
the bottom of the food chain. It also balances oxygen and carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere, which is crucial in protecting the universe against global warming
or climate change.
References
National Geographic. (n.d.). Photosynthesis. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/photosynthesis/
Spanner, H. (2022, July 27). Photosynthesis: What is it and how does it work? BBC Science Focus Magazine. https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/how-does-photosynthesis-work
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