Conversion of light energy into chemical energy used to build biological material. Oxygenic photosynthesis uses water as an electron donor and releases molecular oxygen; other forms do not necessarily produce oxygen. Its atmospheric oxygen source is a major component of the modern terrestrial atmospheric biosignature gas interpretation.
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Photosynthesis is a biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose and other organic compounds. This process is essential for life on Earth, as it is the primary means by which energy enters the ecosystem. It also generates oxygen as a byproduct, which is vital for the respiration of most living organisms.
It is quite cool that photosynthesis works just like cellular respiration by producing a proton potential through chemiosmosis.