Photosynthesis: light supplies energy, CO₂ carbon
In oxygenic photosynthesis, organisms use light energy to make organic substances from CO₂ and water. In plants this occurs in chloroplasts. Released oxygen comes from water; sugar carbon comes from CO₂.
| Observation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Light | energy source |
| CO₂ | source of sugar carbon |
One worked example
- 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂A simplified overall balance driven by light.
- 6 carbon atoms on each sideSugar carbon comes from CO₂.
- Light energy → chemical energyEnergy is transformed into stored chemical energy, not created from nothing.
Watch out: Plants also carry out cellular respiration. The overall equation is not a single step; glucose represents carbohydrate formation here.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Distinguish energy supply from carbon supply.
What you need first: The formulas CO₂, H₂O and glucose.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
Reference for the underlying principle ↗Show connections
In oxygenic photosynthesis, organisms use light energy to make organic substances from CO₂ and water. In plants this occurs in chloroplasts. Released oxygen comes from water; sugar carbon comes from CO₂.