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Biology equation

Photosynthesis equation:
story, analogy and memory trick

The Photosynthesis equation is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Plants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, mainly in the chloroplasts of their leaves.

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The Photosynthesis equation

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
  • CO₂carbon dioxide, taken in through the stomata
  • H₂Owater, absorbed by the roots
  • C₆H₁₂O₆glucose, the food made by the plant
  • O₂oxygen, released as a by-product

The story

A leaf is a tiny kitchen. Sunlight is the gas flame and chlorophyll is the chef. The ingredients are six CO₂ from the air and six H₂O from the soil. The chef cooks one glucose to feed the plant, and six O₂ steam out through the stomata for us to breathe.

Real-life analogy

Think of a solar-powered kitchen. It takes sunlight, air and water, and delivers food (glucose) with oxygen as a by-product.

Memory trick

Count it as 6, 6, 1, 6: six CO₂, six H₂O, one glucose, six O₂.

Exam tip

The oxygen released comes from water, not from carbon dioxide. The light reactions happen in the thylakoids and the Calvin cycle in the stroma. The equation is balanced: 6 C, 12 H and 18 O on each side.

FAQ

Questions about Photosynthesis

What is the Photosynthesis equation?
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Plants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, mainly in the chloroplasts of their leaves.
How do I remember the Photosynthesis equation?
Count it as 6, 6, 1, 6: six CO₂, six H₂O, one glucose, six O₂.
What should I watch out for in exams with Photosynthesis?
The oxygen released comes from water, not from carbon dioxide. The light reactions happen in the thylakoids and the Calvin cycle in the stroma. The equation is balanced: 6 C, 12 H and 18 O on each side.

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