What are the four raw materials needed for photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. For photosynthesis to occur, four essential raw materials are required: carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll, and light.

Carbon dioxide, which is absorbed from the atmosphere through the plant's leaves, is crucial because it provides the carbon atoms that will be converted into glucose. Water is also necessary, as it is taken up by the roots and transported to the leaves where it participates in the chemical reactions. Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plant leaves, plays a vital role in capturing light energy from the sun. This energy is then used to drive the chemical reactions of photosynthesis. Finally, light, particularly sunlight, provides the energy needed to initiate and sustain the process.

Understanding these raw materials is fundamental to grasping how plants produce oxygen and glucose, which are essential for life on Earth.