The overall equation for photosynthesis: Light energy Carbon dioxide + water -----> oxygen + glucose During the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil is converted into oxygen and glucose. Glucose is a sugar that can be used by the plant for respiration or converted into insoluble starch for storage. Oxygen is a by-product of photosynthesis. Light provides the energy for photosynthesis to take place. Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, which is found in the chloroplasts of some plant cells. The rate of photosynthesis will be limited by shortage of carbon dioxide, low temperatures or lack of light.