All about Photosynthesis

In simple words, photosynthesis is the capture of sunlight and production of food. Of course there are many chemical reactions that occur but let's look at the chemical formula that we see in our textbooks and powerpoint presentations.

6CO₂ + 6H₂O –> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Carbon dioxide Water Glucose Oxygen

Let's look closely at this reaction, what is going on? I know that chemistry might be a bit intimidating but I'll keep it short and simple, I promise.

Well in chemistry there is a very known reaction known as the ReDox Reaction, which is a combination of two reactions: reduction and oxidation. So, one reagent is reduced and the other is oxidized. Reduction means that the molecule has gained an electron (e-) while Oxidation means that the molecule has lost an electron (e-). Now let's apply this knowledge into the photosynthesis reaction.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is reduced to Glucose ( C6H12O6 ). Which means that CO2 gained electrons.

Water (H2O) is oxidized to oxygen (O2). Which means that H2O lost electrons.

Now that we covered the Chemistry part of photosynthesis, let's look at the Biology part!

Photosynthesis is the singular most crucial biological process that all oxygen- requiring living organisms depend on. It is the start and can be the end of many food chains, well let's recall our lovely energy pyramid. In the bottom of it we have primary producers which are photosynthetic plants. All other living organisms are considered consumers with varying degrees which leads us to understanding that consumers can be herbivores, carnivores or omnivores and each one depending on the other.

Plants with all their glory provide us with oxygen while also producing glucose, one of the most important carbohydrates. So, for photosynthesis to successfully occur it requires CO2 which is provided by respiration and H2O which can be found in the atmosphere in the form of vapour to produce C6H12O6 that is stored and O2 that is released into the atmosphere. This process of glucose production and oxygen release can increase and decrease due to certain factors which we will discuss in details. The three main factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis are:

1. Temperature: Different temperatures have different affects on photosynthesis. The rate of photosynthesis is wildly affected by temperature, extreme temperatures (whether low or high) can be considered stresses. Low Temperature - the rate of photosynthesis is low. Increasing Temperature - the rate of photosynthesis increases. Extreme hot Temperature - the rate of photosynthesis decreases.
2. CO2: Carbon Dioxide is an important component for photosynthesis. The amount of carbon dioxide present has a direct effect on the rate of photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is an essential reactant in photosynthesis. As the amount of carbon dioxide increases the rate of photosynthesis increases. 
3. Light: Since photosynthesis depends on energy captured from the sunlight. The light intensity plays a pivotal role in the rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is an energy requiring process and sunlight provides that free energy. As the light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis increases. 

Well now that we covered photosynthesis, let's look more into the location of this process while also reviewing the plant anatomy.