(mÄth'Än') A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is the major constituent of natural gas and is released during the decomposition of plant or other organic compounds, as in marshes and coal mines. Methane is the first member of the alkane series.
In photosynthesis, solar energy is converted to chemical energy. The chemical energy is stored in the form of glucose (sugar). Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight are used to produce glucose, oxygen, and water.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other organisms (i.e. cyanobacteria and algae) convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy. In the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) undergo a series of chemical reactions initiated by light energy to produce glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen gas (O2). As sunlight shines down on plants, water is absorbed by the root system of the plant.