Define the term "photosynthesis."

Photosynthesis is the physiological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing organic compounds (glucose) from carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) while releasing oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct. It occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, driven by the green pigment chlorophyll. The overall chemical equation is:

Carbon dioxideCarbon dioxideGlucoseGlucose

$$6{\text{CO}}_2+6{\text{H}}_2\text{O}+\text{light energy}\to {\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_{12}{\text{O}}_6+6{\text{O}}_2$$

Photosynthesis consists of two main stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions (occurring in the thylakoid membranes), where light energy is captured and converted into ATP and NADPH.
2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle, occurring in the stroma), where CO₂ is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

This process is fundamental to life on Earth, providing food and oxygen for most organisms.