What are the products of photosynthesis?

The products of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen. During the process of photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as carbon dioxide plus water, in the presence of light energy, producing glucose and oxygen as by-products.

The glucose produced serves as an essential carbohydrate that provides energy for the plant’s growth and development. Oxygen, released as a by-product, is crucial for most living organisms on Earth, as it is used in cellular respiration. Therefore, understanding that glucose and oxygen are the key outputs emphasizes the importance of photosynthesis not only for plant life but also for supporting life systems globally.