What is photosynthesis, and why is it important?

Photosynthesis is a chemical process that plants, algae, and some bacteria use to create food and energy. It’s important because it:
Provides food and energy
Photosynthesis is the primary source of food and energy for all living organisms. Animals that eat plants get their energy from the sugar stored in plants, and animals that eat those animals get the same energy.
Produces oxygen
Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the atmosphere, which all living species need.
Regulates carbon dioxide and oxygen levels
Photosynthesis helps keep the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in an ecosystem in check.
Influences agricultural crop productivity
The rate of photosynthesis affects how productive agricultural crops are.
Creates fossil fuels
The energy stored in fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal comes from the sun via photosynthesis.
Here’s how photosynthesis works:
1. Light-dependent reactions
Chlorophyll, a pigment in plants, absorbs light energy from the sun. This breaks down water molecules to create energy and oxygen.
2. Calvin cycle
The energy created in the light-dependent reactions fuels the Calvin cycle, a light-independent reaction that converts carbon dioxide into glucose.