Photosynthesis Equation?

Question

Can the normal photosynthesis equation 6CO2 + 6H2O ---> C6H12O6 + 6O2 be simplified to CO2 + H2O ----> C(H2O) + O2?

Can't you take out the 6 out of the normal one and simplify it?

Answer 1

that would be alright as a general case ..however for a balance equation to show the carbon load on the system the total equation is required .The photosynthesis equation above actually is correct..it does NOT produce water as it fixes the H from water into the C-OH and C-H bond s of glucose .It is th ebreaking of these bonds that causes release of the potential chemical energy and conservation as ATP.photosynthesis is actually a radiant enrgy to potential chemical energy transducer..while our oxidative phosphorylation is a potential chemical energy reservoir to useable energy currency transducer...this ATP can then be used to fuel uphill reactions  and can be convered to mechanical energy when ATP is used to cause muscle contraction

Answer 2

This is overall reaction for a generic carbohydrate (CH2O)n is:

CO2 + 2H2O --> (CH2O)n + H2O + O2

n indicates that different carbohydrates have different multiples of n

To answer your question yes it can be simplified, but don't forget to have H2O as a product. Photosynthesis involves photorespiration, so water is also used and produced. I still disagree with the biochemist because not all of the H+ are used to produce sugar. Theres more water used than produced, but water is still regenerated. This was proved in the 1930's by a biologist named Cornelius van Niel.