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Photosynthesis Chemical Equation (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science: Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0653

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on 25 August 2026

Balanced photosynthesis chemical equation: Extended

Extended Tier Only

The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

$6 C O_{2} + 6 H_{2} O \overset{l i g h t}{\underset{c h l o r o p h y l l}{\to}} C_{6} H_{12} O_{6} + 6 O_{2}$

The light energy is converted into chemical energy in the bonds holding the atoms in the glucose molecules together

Examiner Tips and Tricks

The photosynthesis equation is the exact reverse of the aerobic respiration equation so if you have learned one you also know the other one! You will usually get more marks for providing the balanced chemical equation than the word equation.

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