🧬ap biology review

Photosynthesis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments. They convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.