The use of energy from sunlight by photosynthesis is the basis of life on earth

The use of energy from sunlight by photosynthesis is the basis of life on earth

Plants and cyanobacteria capture the light of the sun and utilize its energy to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances such as CO2, nitrate, and sulfate to synthesize their cellular material; they are photoau-totrophic. In photosynthesis photon energy splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, the latter bound as NADPH. This process, termed the light reaction, takes place in the photosynthetic reaction centers embedded in membranes. It involves the transport of electrons, which is coupled to the synthesis of ATP. NADPH and ATP are consumed in a so-called dark reaction to synthesize carbohydrates from CO2 (Fig. 2.1). The photosyn-thesis of plants and cyanobacteria created the biomass on earth, including the deposits of fossil fuels and atmospheric oxygen. Animals are dependent on the supply of carbohydrates and other organic compounds as food; they are heterotrophic. They generate the energy required for their life processes by oxidizing the biomass, which has first been produced by plants. When oxygen is consumed, CO2 is formed. Thus light energy captured by plants is the source of energy for the life processes of animals.