This remarkable process takes place within the cell organelle called the chlororplast, which is composed of a series of flat discs called lamellae. The lamellae are stacked one on top of the other like a stack of plates and they orientate themselves in order to collect the correct amount of sunlight. The conversion of light energy, CO2 and water into ATP, glucose and other cell components is carried out in a series of chemical reactions within the chloroplast. The chlorophyll molecule consists of carbon and hydrogen with a porphyrin ring that surrounds a lone atom of magnesium. The end product can be shown as a simple chemical equation.
Photosynthesis is split up into two parts.
The light reaction as its name suggests needs the energy from light to drive the chemical reactions. The second part of photosynthesis can operate without the direct input of light energy and is called the dark reaction. The start of the reaction begins by the absorption of light by the pigment called chlorophyll, electrons are given so much energy that they can leave the chlorophyll molecule. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a waste gas. The hydrogen is combined with CO2, which goes on to form glucose,starch,cellulose and various proteins.