What are the reactants and products of photosynthesis?

The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water, and the products are glucose and oxygen.

Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria. These organisms are able to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process is vital for life on Earth as it is the primary source of all the organic compounds and most of the energy necessary for life.

The reactants, or the substances that start the process of photosynthesis, are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). These are absorbed by the plant; water is taken up from the roots and transported to the leaves, and carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere through small pores in the leaves called stomata.

The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, specifically using the chlorophyll in the leaves. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is then used to combine the carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose (C6H12O6), a type of sugar that provides energy for the plant. Oxygen (O2) is also produced as a by-product and is released into the atmosphere.

In summary, the reactants (carbon dioxide and water) are transformed into products (glucose and oxygen) through the process of photosynthesis. This process is not only crucial for the survival of the plants themselves, but also for all life on Earth. The oxygen produced is used by most organisms for respiration, and the glucose provides a vital source of energy and is the building block for other essential biomolecules.