Key Idea #15 Photosynthesis transforms light energy to chemical energy which is used to form the key chemical building blocks of living organisms. eoearth.org
The Process of Photosynthesis
Plants (producers) produce their own food. use light energy to make sugar molecules (glucose) from the atoms of carbon dioxide and water. use sugars as the building block to form bigger carbohydrates and fats.
Light energy is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. can be in the form of sunlight or artificial light. is used to combine materials from air, water, and soil to produce carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ) = Sugars (food) Sugars = Simple Carbohydrates
Photosynthesis is a Two Step Process Step 1 (book page 51) Captures light energy –occurs in the chloroplasts of cells –chlorophyll acts like a solar cell
The main function of green, chlorophyll containing leaf cells is photosynthesis. plantcell.org.uk
Step 2 (book page 52) Uses water, carbon dioxide and energy to make food (glucose) and oxygen. –obtains water from the roots, and carbon dioxide through the stomata –chemical reaction makes glucose and oxygen
Stomata
Photosynthesis Equation Carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials of photosynthesis Sugars (glucose) and oxygen are the products of photosynthesis
Plants make, use, and store food A seed contains stored food. As it germinates, the seed shrivels as the growing seedling uses its stored food. Plant parts rich in food value are nuts, seeds, roots (carrots and beets), and fruits Animals get energy and useful materials by eating plants or plant parts.
Plants contain specialized food storage structures which include: Roots Tubers Bulbs
FYI: Respiration and Photosynthesis
RESPIRATION The process that cells use to withdraw energy from glucose in order to release energy. oum.ox.ac.uk
Two Stages In the cytoplasm of the cells, glucose molecules are broken down into smaller molecules. Inside the mitochondria those chemicals are broken down further releasing energy for the body to use.