OCR- B4.04 Photosynthesis

1. Species at War Paradise 2 Food SS1
Photosynthesis summary
Plants produce their own food by a chemical reaction called photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. They contain a green
pigment called chlorophyll that absorbs the light energy needed for the reaction.
Reactants – these are chemicals that Products – these are chemicals that
the plant needs for photosynthesis. the plant makes by photosynthesis.
carbon dioxide + water  glucose + oxygen
This gas comes Roots absorb This is the Plants use some
from the air. It water from the plant’s source of this for
gets inside the soil and take in of energy and respiration, which
plant through tiny minerals. can be used to releases energy
holes in the increase its from glucose. The
leaves. biomass by rest escapes
building new through the holes
tissues. in the leaves.
Light is essential for photosynthesis. Its energy is Water also keeps plant cells
transferred to glucose. Some is released by respiration, firm to support them. Plants
and the rest is stored in the plant biomass. It eventually use extra water to swell their
gets passed to herbivores or decomposers. fruits.