Photosynthesis
How green plants make food using sunlight
How Plants Make Food
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food. Leaves absorb sunlight using chlorophyll (the green pigment). They take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. Using light energy, they make glucose (sugar) and release oxygen.
Example
The Photosynthesis Equation
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
The plant uses glucose for energy and growth. The oxygen is released into the air for us to breathe!
Note
Remember
Photosynthesis happens in the leaves (in chloroplasts). Without photosynthesis, there would be no food or oxygen on Earth. Plants are called producers because they make their own food.
Key Vocabulary
PhotosynthesisThe process by which plants make food using sunlight
ChlorophyllThe green substance in leaves that captures sunlight
Carbon dioxideA gas in the air that plants absorb for photosynthesis
GlucoseA sugar that is the food made by plants
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Photosynthesis
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