Photosynthesis or How Plants Make Food

Energy from the Sun is necessary to begin the process. Organisms that make their own food are called autotrophs. There are only a few organisms, other than green plants, that can do this. Besides green plants, some algae and some bacteria can also make their own food.

Chlorophyll must also be present Radiant energy from the Sun, in the form of light, begins photosynthesis. Radiant energy is energy traveling in waves for example electromagnetic radiation, as heat, light, or X-rays. All components of photosynthesis may be present but without the plant pigment chlorophyll no photosynthesis will take place. Chlorophyll must also be present

Xylem is a series of tubes. Water is taken into the plant by the roots and carried to the leaves through the xylem . Introduce students to the terms xylem and phloem. They do not need to memorize these terms. Xylem is a series of tubes which carry water and minerals up to the leaves. Phloem is plant tissue that conducts and distributes sugars from the places where the food is produced to the places where it is needed or stored. Xylem is a series of tubes. H20 H20 H20

Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is taken into the plant through the stomata on the underside of leaves. To avoid misconceptions from developing, remind students that carbon dioxide is always in the air, and that plants to not use all the CO2 available. H20 H20 H20

This process is called transpiration. Water vapor is released into the atmosphere through the stomata on the leaves. H20 H20 H20 This process is called transpiration.

Explain each step as it is shown. Review the process. O2 CO2 H20 O2 H20 H20 O2 CO2 CO2 H20 H20 H20 Explain each step as it is shown.

Remember, this process is continuous in light.