Describe the process of photosynthesis and write the overall equation. (NCERT Class 10, Life Processes – Most Important)

Answer: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make food (glucose) from CO₂ and water using sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll. It occurs mainly in chloroplasts of leaves. Steps: (1) Light absorption by chlorophyll, (2) conversion of light energy to chemical energy and splitting of water releasing O₂, (3) reduction of CO₂ to carbohydrates via the Calvin cycle. Overall equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O —(light, chlorophyll)→ C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.