Photosynthesis
How plants make food, chlorophyll and light
How Plants Make Food
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It takes place in the chloroplasts which contain chlorophyll. The equation: carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen (in light).
Example
Observing Photosynthesis
A plant in a sunny spot grows faster than one in shade because it receives more light energy. If you place a water plant (Elodea) in sunlight, you can see bubbles of oxygen — evidence that photosynthesis is occurring.
Note
Key Point
Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth: it produces oxygen for breathing and glucose that enters food chains. Without it, there would be no food or oxygen for animals and humans.
Key Vocabulary
PhotosynthesisThe process by which plants use light energy to make food from CO2 and water
ChlorophyllThe green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy
GlucoseA simple sugar produced by photosynthesis, used as an energy source
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Photosynthesis
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