photosynthesis
foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis
/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/
The biochemical process by which green plants and organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.
The vital biological engine powering almost all organic life on Earth by turning light into chemical energy.
The story behind the word. Coined by American botanist Charles Reid Barnes in 1893 by combining Greek 'phos/photos' (light) and 'synthesis' (putting together). It literally translates to 'building chemical compounds using light'.
Word relationships
- carbon fixation: 'Carbon fixation' is the specific core chemical stage inside photosynthesis where CO2 converts to sugar.
- cellular respiration: The biological process that breaks down glucose into energy, consuming oxygen and releasing CO2.
Commonly confused with
- chemosynthesis: Chemosynthesis uses chemical energy (like deep-sea vent minerals) instead of sunlight energy.
Word family
- photosynthesize (verb): To convert light energy into chemical energy.
- photosynthetic (adjective): Relating to or capable of photosynthesis.
Collocations
- perform photosynthesis
- rate of photosynthesis
- photosynthesis process
- photosynthesis mechanism
Example sentences
- "Through photosynthesis, plants generate oxygen while absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide." Science textbook excerpt
- "Oceanic phytoplankton perform over half of global photosynthesis on Earth." Climate analysis article
Memory hook
PHOTO (light) + SYNTHESIS (putting together) = Making food using light! Light energy turned into plant sugar.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general plant respiration; photosynthesis converts sunlight and CO2 into sugars and oxygen.
Fun facts
- Nearly all atmospheric oxygen on Earth exists solely because plants and photosynthetic algae created it!
Related words
Explore more words
metabolism, enzyme, photovoltaic, biomass, abiotic, Synthesis
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