(mÄth'Än') A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is the major constituent of natural gas and is released during the decomposition of plant or other organic compounds, as in marshes and coal mines. Methane is the first member of the alkane series.
Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms that contain the pigment chlorophyll convert light energy into chemical energy which can be stored in the molecular bonds of organic molecules (e.g., sugars). Photosynthesis powers almost all trophic chains and food webs on the Earth.
The ultimate source of energy for photosynthesis is sunlight. Plants convert the light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which they can then use as a source of energy in their cells. Energy is released from glucose by respiration. 13 people found this useful.