Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis


  The process that allows plants to grow and survive
• Photosynthesis

  • Takes place in the leaves
  • Takes place in chloroplasts (subcellular structures)
  • Involves a pigment called chlorophyll that can absorb light
• Photosynthesis

  Converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy
• The chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Endothermic reaction

  A reaction that requires energy from the surroundings to take place
• Carbon dioxide diffuses into the leaves through the stomata and water is taken up from the soil by the roots and transported to the leaves via the xylem
• Uses of glucose produced by photosynthesis

  • Cellular respiration
  • Making cellulose (to strengthen cell walls)
  • Making starch (for long-term storage)
  • Making amino acids (to make proteins)
  • Making oils and fats (for energy storage)
• A plant's growth rate is often dependent on how fast it can photosynthesize
• Factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis are light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and the amount of chlorophyll