Photosynthesis

• photosynthesis is a chemical reaction carried out by plants and algae
• the equation for photosynthesis is carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen
• Chlorophyll

  Green pigment stored in structures called chloroplasts. It absorbs light for photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction
• Root hair cells

  Absorb water + minerals

  Large surface area to increase rate of diffusion + osmosis
• Stomata

  Allows CO2 to diffuse in and out

  Creates short diffusion pathway so increase the rate of diffusion
• Variegated leaves

  Green sections of a leaf contain chlorophyll

  Chlorophyll absorbs light for photosynthesis
• How is glucose stored?

  Used in respiration to release energy

  Stored as starch - insoluble

  Used to make cellulose - needed to make cell walls

  Used to make fats, oils, fruits, seeds

  Used to make amino acids which also require nitrates
• Distance and light energy are inversely proportional to each other
• Light intensity ⍺ 1/distance²
• Limiting Factor is a variable that controls the rate of photosynthesis
• What are the four limiting factors of photosynthesis?

  Concentration of Carbon Dioxide

  Light Intensity

  Chlorophyll

  Temperature