Why Study Photosynthesis?
In order to understand the process of photosynthesis, it is important to have knowledge of what the process requires and the purpose of each step, including carbon dioxide, water, light energy and chlorophyll. Photosynthesis produces glucose and waste oxygen by converting light energy and chemical energy in three stages. In order to understand the quality of life on earth and how food and energy are created, it is important to study the process of photosynthesis. Cloudy weather can decrease the rate of photosynthesis and lower the amount of oxygen produced. Without photosynthesis, the food supply would decrease because the planet would be devoid of oxygen, thereby affecting life on earth. Photosynthesis fills the food that we consume with nutritional requirements and provides us with energy, whether we consume plants or herbivorous animals.
First Stage of Photosynthesis
The first stage of photosynthesis occurs during daytime because it is dependent on light. The plant absorbs light based on its pigmentation or coloring. Darker plants absorb more light. The first stage extracts hydrogen from water and then releases the oxygen. Light converts into chemical energy in order to make the sugar necessary for the second stage of photosynthesis.
Second Stage of Photosynthesis
The second stage of photosynthesis is a reaction process that is independent of light. A plant converts the light into chemical energy. Plants facilitate a chemical reaction and involve light, nutrients and water. The second phase involves splitting water into atoms of hydrogen and oxygen.
Third Stage of Photosynthesis
During the third stage of photosynthesis, a plant takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which aids in the chemical reaction. Light is not needed for the third stage of photosynthesis, and the stage leads to carbohydrate production. The plant then releases oxygen back into the atmosphere.