Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis: the process of creating organic substances using energy from sunlight

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms can convert energy from sunlight into the chemical energy needed for life. It is one of the most important processes in the Earth's biological system, as it provides life to many species of flora and fauna.

Initially, primitive forms of life on Earth, in all likelihood, existed due to the energy of organic substances found in the World Ocean. But with the development of life and the diversity of forms of its existence, a more constant and inexhaustible source of energy was required, which could provide an increasing number of organisms.

This requirement is fully met by the Sun, which sends a huge amount of energy to the Earth in the form of solar radiation. Some organisms have learned to use the energy of sunlight to convert inorganic substances into organic ones. This process was facilitated by the emergence of a special substance - chlorophyll, a green pigment found in all modern plants. Chlorophyll acts as a catalyst for the process of combining water and carbon dioxide using the energy of sunlight. As a result of photosynthesis, free oxygen, organic substances (primarily carbohydrates), as well as high-energy compounds are formed that can be used in the process of life.

Thus, photosynthesis creates a supply of organic substances and energy that meets the needs of other organisms that are not capable of independently synthesizing organic substances from inorganic ones. Almost all the energy used by living organisms is provided by the activity of green plants or, in other words, by the process of photosynthesis.

This process had a huge impact on the further evolution of life on Earth. During the period of the emergence of life on Earth, there was no free oxygen, and living organisms obtained energy from food through the process of fermentation, or anaerobic respiration. However, this path was ineffective, and with the advent of free oxygen in the atmosphere, a new, more advanced type of energy release from food arose - the path of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration provides much greater energy production than anaerobic respiration and is a more efficient way of obtaining energy from organic matter. Green plants and other oxygen producers were thus a key factor in the evolution of life on Earth.

In addition, the process of photosynthesis is also an important factor in the global ecological balance. Green plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, which helps maintain the composition of gases in the atmosphere at optimal levels for life on Earth. They are also an important food source for many animals.

Overall, photosynthesis is a very important process for life on Earth and has a huge impact on the planet's ecosystems.