What does Photosynthesis mean?
“photo” means light
“synthesis” means putting together
Plants need food but they do not have to wait on people or animals to provide for them. Most plants are able to make their own food whenever they need it. This is done using light and the process is called photosynthesis.
What is the Process of Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves of plants. The leaves are made up of very small cells. Inside these cells are tiny structures called chloroplasts. Each chloroplast contains a green chemical called chlorophyll which gives leaves their green color.
Chlorophyll absorbs the sun’s energy.
It is this energy that is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxygen is released from the leaves into the atmosphere.
Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are used to form glucose(sugar) or food for plants.
Some of the glucose is used to provide energy for the growth and development of plants while the rest is stored in leaves, roots or fruits for later use by plants.
What is the Photosynthesis Equation?
In addition to glucose, plants also produce oxygen. This information can be written in a word equation as shown below.
What are some examples of Photosynthetic producers?
All photosynthetic autotrophs perform photosynthesis. Some examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and even some bacteria.
Photosynthesis Vocabulary
In the basic process of photosynthesis these are some important things that are created or produced:
*Light Energy(Sunlight) is absorbed by a green chemical in the leaves.
*Carbon Dioxide from the air passes through small pores (holes) in the leaves. These pores are called stomata.
*Chloroplasts with Chlorophyll absorbs the sun’s energy.
*Glucose is formed from the Carbon Dioxide
*Water is absorbed by the roots and passes through vessels in the stem on its way to the leaves.
*Oxygen is released from the leaves into the atmosphere.
Credits:
Created with images by Andrewkim - "lotus nature plants" • NIAID - "Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)"