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What is photosynthesis?

All life on Earth depends on photosynthesis. The process is described by the following word and symbol equations:

These equations are summaries of a complex two-step process that takes place in the chloroplasts of green plants. The end products are not just glucose, but complex organic molecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids and nucleic acids.

carbondioxide

+ water oxygen + glucose

light energy

6CO2 + 6H2O 6O2 + C6H12O6

light energy

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Leaves and photosynthesis

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Plant anatomy

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Location of the reaction

The light-independent reaction can also be called the “dark reactions”, or the Calvin Cycle.

The light-independent reaction takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts.

The reaction consists of a cycle of enzyme-controlled processes making complex molecules such as carbohydrates.

stroma