Chemical processes are ongoing in all living organisms that help them survive. Photosynthesis is one such process occurring in the plant body. The carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds like sugar through the use of sunlight.
It is seen mainly in all the photoautotrophs including the plants, bacteria and algae. This name is given as they make their own food or energy. The photosynthesis process is necessary for continuity of the aerobic life on our planet. This process maintains a level of normal oxygen in the environment. Food and energy requirement is fulfilled as photosynthesis can make good use of sun’s energy. This is also the largest source of carbon among other compounds and organisms.
The process can vary in diverse species. The basic process involves light absorption by the proteins known as the chlorophyll rich photosynthetic reaction centers. The chloroplasts are organelles with these proteins. Algae, cyanobacteria and plants turn carbon dioxide into form of organic compounds through Calvin cycle. There are some plants which even store carbon dioxide.
First organism equipped to carry out photosynthesis evolved around 3.500 million years ago. The plants, cyanobacteria and algae process sunlight to release oxygen; this is also known as oxygenic photosynthesis. Few bacteria and other organisms do not release any oxygen, but only make use of the carbon dioxide, it is known as anoxygenic photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis occurs in two stages light dependent reaction and light independent reaction. There are many elements and environmental aspects that affect the process. Three factors can make an impact on the process of photosynthesis: