Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and certain bacteria to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. The reactants of photosynthesis are the substances that are used up in the process. These reactants are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
1. **Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)**: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny pores called stomata, which are primarily located on the underside of leaves.
2. **Water (H₂O)**: Water is absorbed by the roots from the soil and transported to the leaves through the plant’s vascular system.
During photosynthesis, these reactants are combined in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants) to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
This process not only provides energy for the plant but also releases oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms.