What Is the Importance of Photosynthesis to Mankind?

Plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants convert sunlight into energy to feed themselves. As a byproduct of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the air. Without oxygen, people could not breathe; plants and photosynthesis are required to keep people alive.

Photosynthesis

Animals gain nutrition by eating plants or other animals. Plants, however, take in nutrients through photosynthesis, which allows them to convert sunlight into energy.

Photosynthesis requires water and sunlight. Plants store water in their cells; they also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When sunlight hits the plant, it causes a chemical reaction in which the carbon dioxide is converted to glucose, allowing the plant to feed itself, and water is converted to oxygen, which is then released into the environment.

Plants and People

Plants and people need each other to survive. Plants require carbon dioxide to make glucose; people require oxygen to breathe. When exhaling, humans release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, just as plants release oxygen when making glucose.

The Importance of Water

It is important to water plants, because water is required for the release of oxygen. When sunlight hits the plant, water is converted into hydrogen and oxygen. If the plant is dehydrated, the sunlight will further dehydrate the plant and oxygen will not be released.

Plants and the Food Chain

Plants are the primary producers in the food chain. Photosynthesis allows plants to make their own food and release oxygen. Plants are then eaten by herbivores. Carnivorous animals then eat the herbivores. For this reason, plants and photosynthesis are needed to feed all the animals and people on Earth.

The Importance of Sunlight

Photosynthesis does not occur in the absence of sunlight. Without sunlight, there is no chemical reaction to separate water cells into hydrogen and oxygen.

References

• ftexploring: Photosynthesis, Energy and Life