Photosynthesis
Chapter 8
What’s Photosynthesis
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A process in which cells capture sunlight and
uses it to make food.
“photo” = light
“synthesis” = to make or put together
Only occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria
First Stage of Photosynthesis
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Use energy from sun to convert carbon dioxide
and water into oxygen and sugars (includes
glucose).
2 Stage process --First stage: Capturing the sun’s energy
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This stage occurs in the leaves and other green
parts of the plant. (Like chloroplasts)
Chloroplasts give the plant its green color.
Second Stage of Photosynthesis
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Uses the captured energy to produce sugars.
Needs water and carbon dioxide (CO2) for this
stage to happen.
Get water from roots and CO2 from the air.
Water and CO2 move into the chloroplasts
Water and CO2 undergo a series of chemical
reactions.
Products from this reaction are oxygen &
sugars.
Photosynthesis Equation
Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
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These are the reactants
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These are the products
Photosynthesis & Life
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Plants use some of the sugars for food
Some sugars maybe stored for future use.
When you eat potatoes & carrots you are
eating the plant’s stored food.
Oxygen leaves the leaves & enters into the
atmosphere.
Nearly all living things obtain energy directly
or indirectly from the energy of the sunlight.