Photosynthesis
Definition
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments. They convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.
Analogy
Think of photosynthesis like a solar-powered factory. The sun's energy (solar power) enters the plant (the factory), where it's used to combine raw materials - carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground - to produce glucose (the product), which is food for the plant, and oxygen (a waste product that benefits us).
Related terms
Chlorophyll: This is a green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
Stomata: These are tiny openings or pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange - they're like little doors for carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit.
Glucose: A simple sugar molecule produced during photosynthesis, serving as an essential source of energy for plants.
"Photosynthesis" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (5)
Practice Questions (12)
Which phase do photosynthesis and cellular respiration have in common?
The majority of ATP generated during photosynthesis is created in an enzyme called __.
Which phase of photosynthesis generates the actual glucose that will be used to store energy?
Which of the following is a product of photosynthesis?
Where does the electron transport chain occur in photosynthesis and cellular respiration respectively?
When transferring excited electrons, photosynthesis uses special molecules called...
What absorbs energy from sunlight during photosynthesis?
Students disagree on whether or not photosynthesis occurs in organisms other than plants. Choose the correct understanding of this:
Photosynthesis is an example of which type of metabolism?
It is believed that photosynthesis first evolved in __.
Elodea, a seaweed like plant, grows in shallow water. What evidence could a student use to prove that it conducts photosynthesis?
Which phase do photosynthesis and cellular respiration have in common?
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