Term: photosynthesis
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04655

Definition:
A metabolic process involving plants and some types of bacteria (e.g. Chromataceae, Rhodospirillaceae, Chlorobiaceae) in which light energy absorbed by chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments results in the reduction of CO2 followed by the formation of organic compounds. In plants the overall process involves the conversion of CO2 and H2O to carbohydrates (and other plant material) and the release of O2.

Related Terms:
1) carbohydrates (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00820).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2207 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'photosynthesis' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04655

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