The primary products of photosynthesis are **glucose and oxygen**.
During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose, which is a type of sugar. This process occurs in special structures called chloroplasts, which are found in the cells of plants.
Here's how it works:
1. **Sunlight**: Plants capture sunlight using a pigment called chlorophyll, which is located in the chloroplasts. This chlorophyll absorbs the energy from sunlight.
2. **Carbon Dioxide**: Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny pores called stomata, which are present on their leaves. Carbon dioxide is a gas that is released by animals and is also present in the air we breathe out.
3. **Water**: Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots. This water is then transported up through the stems to the leaves.
4. **Photosynthesis**: Inside the chloroplasts, the energy from sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process involves a series of chemical reactions that occur in multiple steps.
The glucose produced during photosynthesis serves as a source of energy for the plant. It can be used immediately, stored as starch for later use, or used to make other compounds needed by the plant.
The oxygen produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere through the stomata. It is a vital component for most living organisms, including animals, as we need oxygen to survive and carry out cellular respiration.