What Are the Steps Involved in Photosynthesis?
Photosythesis is a necessary process that all plants and even some bacteria use to create energy, oxygen and carbohydrates in edible vegetation. It requires three basic components to occur, and obtains those components through absorption by both the roots and the leaves. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Water Absorption
-
All plants require water in order to photosythesize. The majority of a plant's water supply is absorbed from the soil by small hair-like protrusions that grow on the roots. Once absorbed, the water travels through the roots, up the stem of the plant and into the leaves. This step is called osmosis.
Sunlight Absorption
-
The broad, flat surface of plant leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll. This chlorophyll helps the leaves absorb light, most commonly from the sun or artificial grow lights. Plants are unable to absorb green light, and need red or blue light to take in the necessary energy. During this process the plant also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
-
Energy Production
-
Once plants have absorbed enough water, sunlight and carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction called photosynthesis occurs. This reaction converts the three components into sugars that the plant uses for energy to grow. Photosynthesis also causes plants to release oxygen.
-
References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
