POWER

 

 

Photosynthesis is the process that converts solar energy into the chemical energy of sugars and other organic compounds. This process consists of a series of chemical reactions that require carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Light energy from light drives the reaction. Oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is released into the atmostphere.  Directly or indirectly, photosynthesis nourishes almost the entire living world. 

Autotrophs, like the groovy flowers on this site,  sustain themselves without eating anything derived from other organisms. They are the producers of the biosphere, producing organic molecules from CO2 and other inorganic molecules! Almost all plants are photoautotrophs, using the energy of sunlight to make organic molecules! 

Heterotrophs, like us actual Flower Children, obtain their organic material from other organisms and are the consumers of the biosphere!

 

The following equation summarizes photosynthesis

6 CO2 + 6 H2O ---> 6(CH2O) + 6 O2

                     sugar

Photosynthesis transfers electrons from water to energy-poor CO2 molecules, forming energy-rich sugar molecules. This electron transfer is an example of an oxidation-reduction process: the water is oxidized (loses electrons) and the CO2 is reduced (gains electrons). Photosynthesis uses light energy to drive the electrons from water to their more energetic states in the sugar products, thus converting solar energy into chemical energy.