Photosynthesis

Water and carbon dioxide produce carbohydrates, proteins and fats chemically through the process of photosynthesis. Plants need photosynthesis for energy and ultimately to survive. Water and carbon dioxide are reactants for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll captures sun's light energy and then plants chemically combine this with water and carbon dioxide to make glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Some glucose is used immediately and some gets stored for later use. Glucose is combined with minerals into more complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These can also be stored for later use or passed on to organisms that eat the plant to help them function and ultimately survive.

How does water and carbon dioxide produce carbohydrates, proteins and fats? Why do plants need to do this?

Stomata

Openings on the leaves of plants that let Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in and Oxygen (O2) out.

Sunlight

The original source of energy that allows the process of photosynthesis to occur.

Cell Membrane

The part of the cell that allows substances to pass in or out.

Chloroplasts (located in the leaves)

The place where the chemical reaction occurs turning reactants to products. It is an organelle in a plant responsible for transferring light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar).

Respiration

The process by which animal cells obtain energy from glucose (sugar). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste (released).

Photosynthesis

The process that transfers light energy into chemical energy. Plants and some other organisms capture the energy in sunlight and use it to make chemical energy in the form of food (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). A plant can store these products for later use. Light and temperature affect the rate, and there is an optimal (favorable) temperature and light for this process.

Pigments

Gives leaves their color. Absorbs light. For example, chlorophyll.

Equation for Photosynthesis and Respiration and their relationship

Photosynthesis: 6CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) + 6H2O (Water) + sun light (energy) = C6H12O6 (Glucose) + 6O2 (Oxygen) Respiration: C6H12O6 (Glucose) + 6O2 (Oxygen) = 6 CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) + 6H2O (Water) + energy Photosynthesis and Respiration are opposites.

Soil

Place where plant gets nutrients, such as nitrogen and magnesium, from.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a cell membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of a substance through a cell membrane that requires energy.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Product

The substance obtained from another substance through a chemical change (reaction).

Reactant

The substances needed to produce another substance.

Xylem (Stem/Trunk)

Transports water up from the soil.

Reactants = Carbon Dioxide, Water and Sunlight (Energy) Products = Glucose (Sugar) and Oxygen

What are the products and reactants of photosynthesis?

Reactants = Glucose (Sugar) and Oxygen Products = Carbon Dioxide, Water and Energy

What are the products and reactants of respiration?

Glucose (Sugar)

What is needed in order for a plant to make carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?

Roots

What part of a plant takes in water and nutrients from the soil?

All organisms get their energy either directly or indirectly from the sun.

Where do organisms get their energy?

Producers

An organism that makes its own food.

Chlorophyll (located in the chloroplasts)

A pigment that captures the energy in sunlight.