The Photosynthesis Equation The simplest way to
account for photosynthesis is through an equation document,
ing what goes into the reaction and what is produced.
6 CO₂
light
energy carbon dioxide
+
6 H₂O
water
-C₂H1₂O6
60₂
oxyge
On the left side of the equation, you can find the materials
carbon dioxide, and water. On the right side of the equation,
needed for this reaction to take place: energy from sunlight,
you can see what is produced because of this reaction-and
how much of each product you get: glucose (a sugar) and oxy-
gen. For every molecule of glucose produced by photosynthesis
you need six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules
of water.
In living things, sugar is the fundamental source of energy.
Living cells have ways to break down sugar molecules to
release their energy. These cells can then use this energy to
power their daily functions. Plants use some of the sugar the
produce before storing the rest in their cell walls as cellulose
When consumers eat plants, their digestive systems break
down the plant cells. This breakdown releases sugars, which
serve as sources of energy for the consumers.
Recall that energy is lost at every level of the food web. This
because plants generally produce the main energy reserve t
the food web. At each level of the food web, energy is lost a
consumer spends some of what they consumed to power th
own lives before they are then consumed.
Reading Check Summarize Text What is the role of
photosynthesis in cycling matter and energy?
