Organize the following items as photosynthesis reactants or products:

Photosynthesis is a fundamental process in the life of plants, enabling them to convert light energy into chemical energy. This process involves the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, utilizing sunlight as the energy source. To understand the role of each component in photosynthesis, it is essential to organize the following items into reactants and products.

Reactants:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is present in the atmosphere. It serves as the primary source of carbon for photosynthesis, providing the carbon atoms needed to form glucose.

2. Water (H2O): Water is a crucial reactant in photosynthesis, as it provides the hydrogen atoms required to build glucose molecules. Additionally, water molecules are split during the process, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

3. Sunlight: Sunlight is the ultimate energy source for photosynthesis. It provides the energy needed to drive the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Products:

1. Glucose (C6H12O6): Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the primary energy source for plants. It is formed during the Calvin cycle, a series of reactions that occur in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

2. Oxygen (O2): Oxygen is released as a byproduct of the water-splitting process during photosynthesis. It is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans, as it is used in cellular respiration to produce energy.

By organizing the items into reactants and products, we can see that carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials required for photosynthesis, while glucose and oxygen are the end products. This understanding helps us appreciate the intricate process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting life on Earth.