Entity: PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to create their own food, essential for life on Earth.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Etymology
The term 'photosynthesis' is derived from the Greek words 'photo' meaning 'light' and 'synthesis' meaning 'putting together'.
Definition
Photosynthesis is the complex process by which carbon dioxide, water, and certain inorganic salts are converted into carbohydrates by green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll.
Historical Context
The process of photosynthesis was first discovered and described by Jan Ingenhousz in the 18th century. It revolutionized our understanding of how plants grow and produce food.
Cultural Significance
Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth as it is the primary way in which green plants produce food and oxygen, supporting the entire ecosystem.
Related Concepts
Other related concepts include chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis, and cellular respiration, the process by which organisms release energy from food.
See Also
- Chlorophyll
- Cellular Respiration
The complex process by which carbon dioxide, water, and certain inorganic salts are converted into carbohydrates by green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll.