How does photosynthesis work in land plants?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy in the form of sugar. This process occurs in specialized organelles within plant cells called chloroplasts. In land plants, photosynthesis takes place primarily in the leaves.

The process of photosynthesis is divided into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. During the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts absorb sunlight, which is used to generate energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. Oxygen is also produced as a byproduct of these reactions.

In the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, carbon dioxide from the air is used to produce sugars. This process occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts and is powered by the energy generated during the light-dependent reactions.

Overall, photosynthesis is crucial for the survival of land plants as it allows them to produce the energy they need to grow and carry out other metabolic processes. It also plays a significant role in the Earth's ecosystem by producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.