photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis?

A chemical process which occurs in plants using light energy or carbon dioxide and water produces glucose and oxygen

Photosynthesis equation

Carbon dioxide + water + sunlight = glucose + oxygen.

Carbon dioxide

CO2

Water

H2O

Glucose

C6 H 1206

Oxygen

O2

Steps

1) H2O enters the roots and moves up into the leaves

Steps

2) carbon dioxide in the air enters a poor, called the stomata in a leaf

Steps

3) sunlight enters the chlorophyll, which is a pigment in the chloroplast. Red and blue light is absorbed.

H20 yields H2 O2

Steps

4) oxygen leaves the leaf and enters the atmosphere

Steps

5) hydrogen, and carbon dioxide combined to form glucose

Factors that affect photosynthesis— light intensity

Amount of sunlight changes time a day/season. More light intensity equals more photosynthesis.

Factors that affect photosynthesis— temperature

North or south of the equator affects climate temperature optimal range is 15°C to 40°C

Factors that affect photosynthesis— chlorophyll

More chlorophyll means more photosynthesis

Factors that affect photosynthesis— amount of carbon dioxide

More carbon dioxide means more photosynthesis

Factors that affect photosynthesis— amount of water

Optimal range is not too little or not too much

How can humans benefit from photosynthesis?

• Provide oxygen to breathe

• Provide food to eat

• Regulate carbon dioxide in atmosphere* phytoplankton

• A glucose can store starch and plants