Photosynthesis
Producers use photosynthesis to transform light energy (from solar energy) into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis is a series of chemical reactions that take place inside the cells of producers, specifically in chloroplasts for plants and algae. The inputs are light energy (in the form of photons), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O). The outputs are oxygen (O2) and sugars (carbohydrates).
The inset shows an incoming arrow that represents light energy. It points to a green structure labeled light reactions. The light reactions produce NADPH and ATP which are shown by arrows leaving the green structure and pointing to a circular diagram labeled Calvin Cycle. NADPH, ATP, and CO2 enter the Calvin Cycle which produces sugars, ADP + Pi, and NAPD+, which are recycled back to the light reactions. Water is shown by an arrow entering the cell and is used in the light reactions which produces oxygen and is shown by an arrow leaving the cell.
