Plants photosynthesize to produce their own food. The process of photosynthesis uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
Here are the steps of photosynthesis:
- Sunlight: Plants need sunlight to power photosynthesis. The sunlight hits the plant’s leaves and is absorbed by chlorophyll, a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
- Water: Plants also need water for photosynthesis. The water is taken up by the roots and transported to the leaves.
- Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a gas that is found in the air. It enters the plant through the stomata, which are small openings in the leaves.
- The Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is the process by which sugar is produced. The sugar is used by the plant for energy and growth.
- The light-dependent reactions: The light-dependent reactions are the first step in photosynthesis. They use sunlight to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the air, and the hydrogen is used to make ATP, a molecule that stores energy.
The process of photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. Plants are the primary producers of oxygen, which all animals and many other organisms need to breathe. Plants also provide food for many animals.