GCSE Biology Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Study Resource

The balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis, represented as 6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2, accurately reflects the chemical process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen in the presence of sunlight. In this equation, six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) combine with six molecules of water (H2O) to produce one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen (O2).

This representation highlights the role of light energy in driving the reaction, which occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells. The glucose produced serves as energy storage for the plant and can be used in respiration or converted into other organic compounds. The release of oxygen into the atmosphere is a crucial byproduct of this process, which is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans. Understanding this equation is fundamental in studying the energy transformation in ecosystems and the importance of photosynthesis in maintaining life on Earth.