Photosynthesis

  Photosynthesis can be defined as the formation of carbon-containing compounds from carbon dioxide and water with the help of green pigments and light while oxygen is liberated as the by-product. The simples equation for photosynthesis can be : Ruben and Kamen (1941) demonstrated that the source of liberated O2 is the water, through their experiment with oxygen isotope, 18 O as given below: Requirements of Photosynthesis Thus, the inputs or components of photosynthesis will be : 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Water 3. Light 4. Green pigments in chloroplasts of cells Output of Photosynthesis 1. Carbohydrates 2. Oxygen molecules