There are 2 types of photosynthesis: oxygenic and anoxygenic. Although these 2 processes are quite similar, oxygenic photosynthesis is the most common and occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

Oxygenic photosynthesis: During this process, light energy transfers electrons from water taken up by plant roots to carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates. In this transfer, carbon dioxide receives electrons and is reduced, while water loses electrons and is oxidized. Along with carbohydrates, oxygen is produced. Oxygenic photosynthesis works as a counterbalance to respiration — it takes in carbon dioxide, which is produced by all breathing organisms on Earth and reintroduces oxygen to the atmosphere.

Anoxygenic photosynthesis: This process uses substances that are not water and that don’t produce oxygen as electron donors. For example, it can be hydrogen sulfide. This type of photosynthesis is typical for bacteria.

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