What does photosynthesis mean?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is the physico-chemical process by which plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria use light energy to drive the synthesis of organic compounds. In plants, algae and certain types of bacteria, the photosynthetic process results in the release of molecular oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that is used to synthesize carbohydrates (oxygenic photosynthesis). Other types of bacteria use light energy to create organic compounds but do not produce oxygen (anoxygenic photosynthesis). Photosynthesis provides the energy and reduced carbon required for the survival of virtually all life on our planet, as well as the molecular oxygen necessary for the survival of oxygen consuming organisms1 . In addition, the fossil fuels currently being burned to provide energy for human activity were produced by ancient photosynthetic organisms. Although photosynthesis occurs in cells or organelles that are typically only a few microns across, the process has a profound impact on the earth's atmosphere and climate. Each year more than 10% of the total atmospheric carbon dioxide is reduced to carbohydrate by photosynthetic organisms. Most, if not all, of the reduced carbon is returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide by microbial, plant and animal metabolism, and by biomass combustion. In turn, the performance of photosynthetic organisms depends on the earth's atmosphere and climate. Over the next century, the large increase in the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide created by human activity is certain to have a profound impact on the performance and competition of photosynthetic organisms. Knowledge of the physico-chemical process of photosynthesis is essential for understanding the relationship between living organisms and the atmosphere and the balance of life on earth. Several books on photosynthesis are available for the uninitiated (Hall and Rao, 1994; Lawlor, 1993; and Walker, 1992) or advanced student (Govindjee, 1982; Amesz, 1987; Briggs, 1989; Barber, 1992; Scheer, 1991; Bryant, 1994; Blankenship et al. 1995; Amesz and Hoff, 1996, Baker, 1996; and Ort and Yocum, 1996). Taiz and Zeiger (1991) place the photosynthetic process in the context of over all plant physiology, and Cramer and Knaff (1991) describe the bioenergetic foundation of photosynthesis.

Answer 2

What Does Photosynthesis Mean

Answer 3

Photosynthesis is the name of the process by which autotrophs (self-feeders) convert water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy into sugars and oxygen.

Answer 4

Its a process used by plants to make sugar from CO2, water and sunlight. Its the starting point of life on Earth.