1. Photosynthesis

2. What is Photosynthesis?
Food-making process of plants and some algae.
Changes light energy to chemical energy
Energy stored as sugar
Takes place in the chloroplasts, using chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants
Most important chemical reaction on our planet.

3. Equation for Photosynthesis

4. Chloroplasts

5. Overall Steps in Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll molecules trap energy from the sun
Energy from sun used to change carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and water (H2O) into a simple sugar called glucose.
Oxygen is produced.
CO2 + H2O + energy (sunlight)  glucose (sugar) + O2

6. Other Photosynthesis Details
Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through holes called stomata
The sugar is moved through tubes in the leaf to the roots, stems and fruits of the plants
Some of the sugar is used right away by the plant for energy; some is stored as starch; and some is built into plant tissue

7. What Happens During Photosynthesis?
Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Sugar
Oxygen

8. Why is this important to us?
We cannot make our own food (glucose, energy), we must get our food from plants.
Oxygen released during photosynthesis is necessary for all living things.
Plants are the first step in the food chain.

9. Summary Questions
What are the raw materials needed for photosynthesis? What are the products?
How do plants get energy? How do animals get energy?
What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis? Where is chlorophyll found?
List three ways that autotrophs were important to you today.