Photosynthesis

• Plants use light for their source of energy, a reaction called photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis takes an energy, making it an example of an endothermic reaction.
• The leaves of a plant contain the green chemical chlorophyll, which can absorb light energy.
• In the first stage of photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into the sugar glucose, producing oxygen as a by-product.
• In order for photosynthesis to take place, we need carbon dioxide and light.
• If there's not enough carbon dioxide or light, the rate of photosynthesis decreases.
• If the light intensity is increased, the rate of photosynthesis increases, as the plant has more light energy to carry out the photosynthesis reaction.
• If the light intensity is limiting, it means that photosynthesis is not as fast as it could be because there isn't enough light.
• Carbon dioxide is the limiting factor when the light intensity is high, as the rate of photosynthesis increases with increasing carbon dioxide level.
• The amount of chlorophyll in the leaf can affect the rate of photosynthesis, as leaves with less chlorophyll can trap less light energy and have a lower rate of photosynthesis.
• The rate of photosynthesis can be affected by temperature, as enzymes involved in photosynthesis work faster at higher temperatures, leading to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis.