fotosyntetizují

Fotosyntetizují is the Czech word for "they photosynthesize." Photosynthesis is a vital biochemical process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the form of glucose or other organic compounds. This process is fundamental to life on Earth, as it produces the oxygen that most organisms breathe and forms the base of most food chains.

The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is often simplified as: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation shows that carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are taken in and, with the input of light energy, are transformed into glucose (C6H12O6), a sugar molecule, and oxygen (O2).

Photosynthesis occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts within plant and algal cells. Chloroplasts contain pigments, most notably chlorophyll, which absorb light energy. This energy is then used to drive a series of complex reactions. These reactions can be broadly divided into two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle).

During the light-dependent reactions, light energy is captured by chlorophyll and used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen. This process also generates energy-carrying molecules, ATP and NADPH. In the light-independent reactions, the ATP and NADPH produced in the first stage are used to fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, ultimately producing glucose.

Many organisms depend directly or indirectly on photosynthesis for survival. Plants and algae are producers, meaning they create their own food. Herbivores eat these producers, and carnivores eat herbivores. Therefore, the energy captured through photosynthesis is transferred throughout ecosystems.