The products of photosynthesis are glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where they use light energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose and oxygen.
The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
In this process, light energy is captured by pigments like chlorophyll, and it drives a series of complex chemical reactions that ultimately lead to the synthesis of glucose. The oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct, which is essential for sustaining aerobic life on Earth and supporting respiration in plants and animals. Glucose, on the other hand, serves as the primary source of energy for plants and other organisms that consume plants as food.