Which gas is a byproduct of photosynthesis?

During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as an energy source. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

In this process, oxygen is produced as a byproduct. While carbon dioxide is a reactant that plants take in for photosynthesis, and hydrogen is involved in the process, the key takeaway here is that oxygen is released as a result of photosynthesis. This important function of plants not only helps them grow but also contributes to the oxygen levels in our atmosphere, which is vital for the survival of most living organisms on Earth.