Photosynthesis Describe how plants make their own food using photosynthesis. Give the word equation for photosynthesis. Show that starch is produced by a photosynthesising plant.

Describe Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the way plants make their food. This happens because leaves contain chlorophyll, which is a catalyst for the food reaction and gives plants their green colour. Carbon dioxide and water combine to form oxygen and food (glucose). Chlorophyll and light are required, but do not take part in the reaction.

Give the Word Equation for Photosynthesis In photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and water, so they go on the left of the equation. Plants output food (glucose) and oxygen, so they go on the right of the equation. Chlorophyll and light are required for the reaction, but do not take part – they are catalysts and are written over the arrow. 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒+𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑦𝑙𝑙, 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑔𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒+𝑜𝑥𝑦𝑔𝑒𝑛

Show that Starch is Produced by Photosynthesising Plants Place a potted plant in the dark for a few days. Cover part of one of the leaves in aluminium foil. Leave the plant in bright light for a day. Put the leaves in boiling water for a minute. Soak the leaves in warm alcohol for a few minutes. Dip the leaves in boiling water to soften them. Test for starch using iodine.