Plants People and animals need oxygen to live. Green plants make the oxygen in the air we breathe. How do plants make oxygen? Plants take in carbon dioxide. It enters through small holes on the undersides of their leaves. Plants absorb sunlight into their leaves. The green substance in leaves in called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll traps the energy from the sun. The leaves use carbon dioxide, sunlight and water to make food and oxygen. This process is called photosynthesis. Plants release oxygen from their leaves into the air. Without the oxygen made from plants, people and animals could not live on Earth.

Photosynthesis Definition: Photosynthesis is the process used by the plants to make their food.

Photosynthesis equation: How Photosynthesis occurs: Plants use solar energy, to transform carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water and minerals from the soil into food and oxygen. Photosynthesis equation: carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen + water (6CO2 + 12H2O + Light -> C6H12O6 + 6O2+ 6H2O)

Photosynthesis takes place on the leaves known as the ‘factory’. Where does Photosynthesis take place? Photosynthesis takes place on the leaves known as the ‘factory’. (Glucose)

Chlorophyll Green leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green substance that gives that makes the leaf the colour green. Chlorophyll traps light energy from the sun, which is then used to combine carbon dioxide and water into sugars in the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is vital for photosynthesis as it helps plants get energy from light.

Green Plant Systems There are two green plant systems, which can be located in the stem of the plant. These are: Xylem: are used to carry water and minerals absorbed by the roots from the soil to the leaves. Phloem: are used to carry nutrients to all parts of the plant.

Green Plant Systems By looking at the two diagrams, which diagram represents Phloem and which represent Xylem? Why?

Glossary Glucose: is a carbohydrate, a molecule that living organisms use to gain energy. Chlorophyll: a green pigment, present in all green plants, which is responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis. Pigment: a colouring matter or substance. Stomata: open and close to allow the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. (It’s how plants breathe) Chloroplasts: are the food producers of the cell.

Photosynthesis http://www.brainpop.com/science/cellularlifeandgenetics/photosynthesis/

Photosynthesis Song http://youtu.be/wj8TGhcCnxs