23. Copy the chemical equation for photosynthesis. 24. What is the purpose of the stomata?

23. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:<br />6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2<br />This equation represents the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using the energy from sunlight.<br /><br />24. The purpose of the stomata is to facilitate gas exchange in plants. Stomata are small openings or pores found on the surface of leaves, stems, and other aerial parts of plants. They allow carbon dioxide (CO2) to enter the plant and oxygen (O2) to exit. This gas exchange is essential for photosynthesis, as CO2 is required for the production of glucose and O2 is a byproduct of the process. Additionally, stomata help regulate the plant's water balance by controlling the rate of water vapor loss through transpiration.