Biology STAAR Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The formula for photosynthesis is accurately represented by the equation 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight ---> C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation outlines the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen, utilizing sunlight as an energy source.

In this reaction, carbon dioxide (6CO2) enters from the atmosphere through the plants' stomata, and water (6H2O) is absorbed from the soil through the roots. The chlorophyll in the leaves captures sunlight, which provides the energy needed to drive the chemical reactions that take place in the chloroplasts.

As a result, glucose (C6H12O6) is produced, which serves as a vital energy source for the plant and can be used for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes. Additionally, oxygen (6O2) is released as a byproduct, which is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans.

Understanding this fundamental process is crucial, as it not only serves as the foundation for the energy flow in ecosystems but also illustrates the interconnectedness of life on Earth, where plants are primary producers that support various life forms