Photosynthesis:
Photosynthesis is simply defined as “ formation of carbohydrates from CO2 and H2O by illuminated green cells of plants, O2 and H2O by being the byproducts”. In other words, capture of photons of light by green plant cells and conversion of their radiant energy into chemical form of energy is called photosynthesis.
Importance of Photosynthesis:
(i) Synthesis of organic food.
(ii) Non-photosynthetic or heterotrophic organisms depend upon for organic food. Plants are, therefore called produces. Other are called consumers.
(iii) It converts radiant or solar energy into chemical energy.
(iv) Fossil fuels are products of photosynthetic activity of past plants.
(v) All plant products of photosynthetic activity of past plants.
(vi) It absorbs CO2 from atmosphere which tends to increase due to respiration of organisms and combustion.
(vii) It evolves oxygen which is consumed in respiration and combustion of respiratory substrate and formation of ozone.