(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.
Key content 1. photosynthesis is a cellular process through which organisms capture light energy from the sun and use it to generate and store energy. 2. cellular respiration releases stored energy in glucose, allowing the organism to function. 3. Light is required for photosynthesis to occur, although parts of photosynthesis can happen in the absence of light. 4. photosynthesis happens in the chloroplasts, which con-tain chlorophyll. 5.