PHOTOSYNTHESIS (7.5A)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A gas in the atmosphere that plants use during the process of photosynthesis. Animal breathe out (exhale) CO2.

Oxygen

A gas released by plants after photosynthesis. Animals breathe in (inhale) O2.

Chlorophyll

A green substance in plant leaves that captures energy from the sun. Meaning "pale green" and phyllon "a leaf", chlorophyll is a group of green pigments used by organisms that convert sunlight into energy via photosynthesis. Plants use chlorophyll to trap energy from the sun. Chlorophyll is found in chloroplasts.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important source of energy. Plants use the energy of the sun to change water and carbon dioxide into a sugar called glucose during photosynthesis. Glucose is used by plants for energy and to make other substances like cellulose and starch. Starch is stored in seeds and other plant parts as a food source.

Compound

A substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds. There are four compounds involved in photosynthesis: Chlorophyll, water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen gas (O2) and glucose/sugar (C6H12O6).

Chloroplasts

Capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce food for the cell. A chloroplasts contain chlorophyll. They are in the cells of plants and where photosynthesis occurs, which is the process by which energy from the Sun is converted into chemical energy for growth.

Leaves

The part of the plant that absorbs sunlight and carries out photosynthesis. A leaf is an above-ground plant organ and it is green. Its main functions are photosynthesis and gas exchange. A leaf is often flat, so it absorbs the most light, and thin, so that the sunlight can get to the chloroplasts in the cells. Most leaves have stomata, which open and close.

Photosynthesis

The process by which a plant uses the sun's energy to transform Carbon dioxide and water into Oxygen and sugars. Photo meaning "light" and synthesis, meaning "to make", during photosynthesis radiant energy from the sun (sunlight) is absorbed by green plants. The energy is used to convert carbon dioxide, water and minerals the plants take in from their surroundings into sugar and gaseous oxygen. Photosynthesis is critical to life on Earth.

Stomata

Tiny holes in the leaves of a plant that allows gases to enter or leave the plant. Stomata open and close as a reaction to light and moisture. Stomata are cell structures in the epidermis of tree leaves and needles that are involved in the exchange of carbon dioxide and water between plants and the atmosphere.

Chemical energy

A form of potential energy that is stored in chemical bonds between atoms. Chemical energy is energy, including atoms and molecules, stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. When a chemical reaction takes place, this energy is released. Typically, the material is converted into a new substance.

Organisms

All living things including plants and animals.

Radiant energy

Energy carried by light. Plants are able to harness and use light energy in a process called photosynthesis. They absorb radiant energy from sunlight and transform it into useful chemical energy contained in molecules within their cells.

Molecules

Groups of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. A molecule is the smallest particle in a chemical element or compound that has the chemical properties of that element or compound. During Photosynthesis; 6 molecules of water (H2O) combine with 6 molecules of CO2 (Carbon dioxide). Using energy from the sun, produce 1 molecule of glucose, a type of sugar (C6H12O6) and 6 molecules of oxygen gas (O2).

Transform

Means to change in form or appearance. In plants, during photosynthesis light energy from the sun is transformed or converted into chemical energy.

Roots

The part of a plant that is found below ground level, responsible for the uptake of water and minerals from the surrounding soil.

Stem

Usually the above-ground part of the plant that holds up the leaves and flowers and transports water from the roots to the leaves.