1. Photosynthesis
If you were an alien and could only learn one thing about life on earth this would be it

2. It starts with the Sun Sunlight and the spectrum of visible light
Chlorophyll is an amazing molecule

3. Light dependent reactions
Light adsorbed by the photosystems produces high energy electrons in chlorophyll, ATP and NADPH are produced
To replace electrons in chlorophyll enzymes in the photosystem membrane split water in 2H and O (for every 2 molecules of water the cell gets 4H and 2O).
Nearly all the O2 on earth is from this reaction

4. Light independent reactions
Energy from ATP and NADPH is converted to sugar
Called the Calvin Cycle
Starting material is CO2 and H2O

5. Light independent reactions
Each set of reactions in the Calvin cycle uses one C from CO2, after three turns ½ a glucose molecule is built, 6 turns and a 6C is produced.
This reaction is called fixing carbon because it removes carbon from the inorganic world and makes it organic

6. Photosynthesis
Plants uses this glucose for their own energy needs and for storage
Summary reaction:
6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy  C6H12O6 + 6O2