Photosynthesis Explanation
Plants use photosynthesis as a means to make their own food. By converting water and carbon dioxide into sugars and starches, plants not only take care of their own needs, but nourish countless species of animals on the planet, including humans.
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Chlorophyll
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Plant cells have structures called chloroplasts which contain chlorophyll. This chemical absorbs light and makes photosynthesis possible. Chlorophyll looks green because it absorbs red and blue-violet light.
Light Source
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The sun is the plant's natural energy source. It is also possible for plants to photosynthesize under artificial light. This light energy is changed into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
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Water
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Water contains oxygen and hydrogen, two molecules needed for the plant to make glucose. Plants get most of their water from the roots but a small amount comes from the leaves. Water from the roots is carried to the leaves by the xylem cells.
Carbon Dioxide
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Tiny holes called stomata allow the plant's leaves to take in carbon dioxide. The carbon molecules are used in the making of glucose through photosynthesis.
Oxygen
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Plants use oxygen to break down their carbohydrate food source. Since plants make more oxygen than needed for this purpose, the waste oxygen is released into the air through the stomata.
Sugars and Starches
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Glucose, a sugar, is used by the plant for its immediate energy needs. The excess glucose is turned into starch and stored in either the roots, the leaves or in fruits during a plant's reproductive cycle.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of darwin Bell
