Understanding Photosynthesis: The Essential Life Process

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. This energy is stored as glucose, which is used for plant growth and development.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, absorbs sunlight. Surprisingly, it only uses the red and blue wavelengths effectively, reflecting green, which is why plants appear green to us.

Photosynthesis consists of two main phases: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. The former converts sunlight into ATP and NADPH, while the latter produces glucose.

Interestingly, the oxygen we breathe comes from water molecules, not carbon dioxide, which plants split during the light-dependent reactions to obtain electrons.

Photosynthesis has an optimal temperature range. Above or below this range, the rate can decrease. Enzymes involved in photosynthesis are temperature sensitive, influencing the process's efficiency.

CAM plants, like cacti, open their stomata at night to minimize water loss in arid environments. They store CO2 as malate and use it during the day for photosynthesis.

Globally, photosynthesis captures approximately 130 terawatts of energy annually. This is six times the power consumption of human civilization, showcasing nature's incredible energy-harvesting capability.

Plants can send distress signals to nearby plants when under attack, warning them to activate their defenses.