Skip to main content
SWStudyWalks Search

Biology / Unit 3   Bio 0579 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Overall Equation of Photosynthesis

Captions available

The idea

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into a carbohydrate and oxygen, using light energy to drive the reaction forward.

In practice

Six carbon dioxide molecules and six water molecules combine, with light energy, to form one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules.

Where people slip

This single equation summarizes dozens of actual steps — the reaction does not occur in one leap.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it  ·  Sources for Biology