Discovering
Photosynthesis
The process behind plants producing
their own food and oxygen.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process used by
plants to create their own food. Plants
use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
to create food (glucose) and oxygen.
Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Sunlight
Plants use sunlight to
capture energy. Plant
leaves contain a pigment
called chlorophyll which
absorbs sunlight.
The Ingredients
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is taken in by
plants through tiny openings
on leaves called stomata.
Water is absorbed from the
soil through the roots and is
transported to the leaves.
Water
Inside the Leaf
Photosynthesis takes place in
chloroplasts found in plant
leaves. Chloroplasts contain
chlorophyll, a green pigment
that captures light energy
and other molecules essential
for photosynthesis.
The Photosynthesis Reaction
The photosynthesis reaction
converts carbon dioxide and
water into glucose and oxygen.
Chloroplasts
The Equation:
6CO2 + 6H 2 O
C 6 H 12 O6 + 6O2
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Glucose Production
CH2OH
The photosynthesis reaction
produces glucose which provides
energy for the plant. Excess
glucose can be stored in the
form of starch for later use.
O
OH
OH
OH
OH
Glucose Molecule
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Oxygen Release
Oxygen is released as a byproduct of
the photosynthesis process. It is
released into the air through the
stomata. This oxygen is essential
for supporting the respiration of
animals and other organisms.
Oxygen Molecules
The Importance of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is vital for life on Earth.
It fuels growth, reproduction, and other
metabolic processes in plants.
It is also responsible for producing oxygen,
which is essential for the survival of many
organisms, including humans.
Without photosynthesis, life as we know it
would not be possible.
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Let's help protect our
plants
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