Functions of Leaves

Plant Parts Leaves Provide food (photosynthesis) Have chloroplasts (green coloring-chlorophyll) Transpiration (“sweating”) Respiration Pic is hyperlink

Photosynthesis Leaves collect sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to make sugar (food) for the plant This food is then transported through the phloem The chemical equation for this process is 6 H2O + 6 CO2  C6H12O6 + 6 O2 Sun energy sugar

Respiration Leaves break down sugars to get energy This process releases excess water as waste The chemical equation is C6H12O6 + 6 O2 energy + 6 H2O + 6 CO2 Energy released To help plant grow sugar

Transpiration Taking in CO2 and releasing O2 and H2O as waste products after respiration