Describe the steps involved in photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis occurs through a series of well-defined steps that convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

The first step is absorption of light energy. Chlorophyll present in the chloroplast absorbs sunlight, mainly in the blue and red wavelengths.

The second step is conversion of light energy into chemical energy. The absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a by-product, and energy-rich molecules are formed.

The third step is reduction of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere combines with hydrogen to form glucose through a series of enzymatic reactions known as the Calvin cycle.

Finally, the synthesized glucose is either used immediately for energy or stored in the form of starch for future use.

These steps together ensure the production of food in plants and the release of oxygen into the atmosphere.