∞ generated and posted on 2015.12.31 ∞
Energy (photons) + 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
| Photosynthesis takes the energy from the sun and uses that energy to combine six molecules of carbon dioxide with six molecules of water to produce, for example, a six-carbon sugar, but also molecular oxygen as a waste product. |
The overall reaction of photosynthesis as viewed from the perspective of the production of glucose (C6H12O6). The actual light reaction and dark reaction are far more complex than as indicated.
Note, nonetheless, that the overall reaction of photosynthesis is essentially the reverse of that of the complete oxidation of glucose. Or, more precisely, the oxidation of glucose is the reversal of photosynthesis.
See also carbon fixation and photoautotroph.