What is photosynthesis? Explain with the help of an equation.

The process by which green plants use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose in the presence of green-coloured pigment (chlorophyll) is called photosynthesis. Plants obtain carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through stomata and water is absorbed by the roots from the soil. The process of photosynthesis involves following steps:

1. Light is absorbed by chlorophyll, which splits water (called photolysis) and oxygen is released. This reaction depends on sunlight for activation energy. It takes place in thylakoids of the chloroplasts.
2. Carbon dioxide splits and this carbon is used to make sugars. It occurs in stroma. This reaction does not require light energy.
3. Sugars are formed and they combine to form complex sugars.

Photosynthesis can be represented by the following word equation:

Carbon dioxide + water $\xrightarrow[\text{chlorophyll}]{\text{sunlight}}$ Glucose + Oxygen