Photosynthesis and Respiration

• The cell aerobic respiration takes place in is the Mitochondria
• Photosynthesis is a chemical process in which green plants make their own food using energy from the sun- this food is made in the form of glucose
• Photosysthesis occurs in chloroplats found within cells.
• It is the chloroplasts that contain the green pigment chlorophyll which absorbs light
• The plant uses this glucose to grow as well as make other useful substances, such as cellulose found in the cell walls and starch used as energy storage
• The glucose can also be broken down in the plant by respiration
• Board leaves provide a large surface area to trap sunlight
• Thin leaves provide a short diffusion pathway for gases to move into and out of cells
• Network of xylem tubes to transport water from roots to leaves for photosynthesis and phloem vessels to transport sugary water made in photosynthesis to the rest of the plant
• Photosynthesis- Carbon dioxide + water --> glucose + oxygen
• Respiration- Oxygen + glucose --> water + carbon dioxide
• If light intensity decreases, the rate of photosynthesis will also decrease. Photosynthesis can not increase as there is not enough light to support this reaction
• Leaves- Small holes on the underside of these allow carbon dioxide to diffuse in and oxygen to diffuse out
• Stem- support and transport water around the plant in long hollow tubes called xylem
• Roots- The tiny hairs on these give them a large surface area to increase the diffusion of water and minerals into the plant