Photosynthesis is the process by which green organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, using light-absorbing pigments (primarily chlorophyll) to drive the synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water. The overall outcome is the production of sugars (like glucose) and the release of oxygen as a byproduct in oxygenic photosynthesis. Key concepts

• Light reactions: Occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Light energy is captured and used to split water, release oxygen, and generate ATP and NADPH.
• Calvin cycle (dark reactions): Occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. ATP and NADPH from the light reactions power the fixation of CO2 into organic molecules, ultimately producing glucose and other carbohydrates.
• Reactants and products: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2 (overall equation for oxygenic photosynthesis). In reality, the path converts carbon dioxide into sugars via intermediate steps and storage in starch or sucrose.
• Important components: Chlorophyll and other pigments absorb light; chloroplasts host the machinery; stomata regulate gas exchange; water is the source of electrons.

Subtypes and context

• Oxygenic vs anoxygenic: Oxygenic photosynthesis releases O2 and occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria; anoxygenic photosynthesis does not produce oxygen and is performed by some bacteria.
• Where it happens: In plant leaves, primarily within chloroplast-containing cells of mesophyll tissue; in algae and cyanobacteria, analogous structures or thylakoid membranes perform the same role.
• Ecological role: Provides the base of the food chain and is the primary source of atmospheric oxygen.

If you need a step-by-step breakdown of the light-dependent reactions or the Calvin cycle, or want to see how variables like light intensity, wavelength, or CO2 concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis, I can tailor a concise explanation or a guided example.