Photosynthesis
Science: KS3, topic 1.5.2
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is one of the most important processes on the planet. It is how light energy from the Sun is harnessed and enters our food chains. Without it, there would not be life as we know it on Earth.
What is photosynthesis?
- Photosynthesis is how plants produce some of the nutrients they need to survive.
- The equation for photosynthesis is:
- Carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose
Energy entering the food system
- Photosynthesis is an important process because it is the means by which energy can enter a food chain.
- Plants harness the energy from the Sun and store it chemically in their own tissues.
- When these plants are eaten by animals, they take that chemical energy and use it to live and store it themselves.
Oxygen
- Oxygen is vital because life on earth needs oxygen, and oxygen is a product of photosynthesis.
- Without the photosynthetic life, the atmosphere would not be habitable for life as we know it.
- All the oxygen in our atmosphere was originally released by photosynthesis.
Test yourself on Photosynthesis
Which of these is NOT produced in photosynthesis?
Which of these are true of photosynthesis?
A plant does not eat food like an animal does. How does it get the nutrients it needs to survive?