Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts in the cells of the leaves of plants. The chloroplasts contain the chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight.
• Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction that can be represented by word and symbol equations.
• The equation for photosynthesis is carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
• Energy is transferred to the plant cells by light.
• The glucose produced in photosynthesis may be: • used for respiration • converted into insoluble starch for storage • used to produce fat or oil for storage • used to produce cellulose, which strengthens the cell wall • used to produce amino acids for protein synthesis
• To produce proteins, plants also use nitrate ions that are absorbed in solution from the soil.