human
Explain the process of photosynthesis to me.
assistant
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protistans use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar, which cellular respiration converts into ATP, the "fuel" used by all living things. Photosynthesis also produces oxygen which is released into the atmosphere. The general equation for photosynthesis is: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen. Sunlight provides the energy needed to break down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The hydrogen then combines with the carbon dioxide to form glucose, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.