Plants that live in dry desert climates have several key adaptations for conserving water, including thick waxy leaf coverings, deep roots, and extensive shallow roots. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts in plant cells absorb sunlight and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through a process that produces food for the plant. Photosynthesis is essential for all life as it provides the oxygen and food on which animals depend.

1. Mind Stretchers Which of the following features might you find in plants that live in a dry desert climate? a. a thick waxy leaf covering b. deep roots c. extensive shallow roots d. all of the above Which of the following organisms is not a consumer? a. a deer b. a rabbit c. a caterpillar d. an oak tree

2. Chloroplast What does it do?

3. Chloroplasts are located in plant cells. They are used to absorb the sun’s energy and change it into food. This process is called Photosynthesis Photo= Light Synthesis= Putting Together

4. Photosynthesis: How does it work? The Chloroplasts mix carbon dioxide(what you breath out), water and sunlight. The mixture produces Glucose(sugar) and Oxygen.

5. Here is another way to think about it. Carbon Dioxide 6 CO 2 + Water 6 H 2 O + Light energy = Glucose C 6 H 12 O 6 + Oxygen 6 O 2 + +

6. The Jolley Green Giant says: Without photosynthesis there would be no food to eat! 6 CO 2 + 6 H 2 O + Sunlight = C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2