Photosynthesis and Light What happens when light strikes a green leaf? What is photosynthesis?

The Nature of Light Sun: source of Energy for the Earth Light see from Sun is white light White Light: made up of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet light

When Light Strikes Objects Plants and Light Plants absorb some colors of light and reflect others Most of green spectrum reflected and rest of light absorbed

When Light Strikes Objects Plants and Light Plant Pigments Light is absorbed by the plant (blue and red) Green light is reflected: chlorophyll and leaves green Accessory pigments: other pigments in leaves that absorb different colors of light; hidden by chlorophyll

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/methuselah/photosynthesis.html

The Photosynthesis Process Two-Parts First: Plants capture energy from the sun Second: Plant uses energy to produce food Capturing Energy Light energy is absorbed by the chloroplasts The Chemistry of Photosynthesis Plants need carbon dioxide and water as raw materials Series of chemical reactions transform C02 and H20 to form sugar and oxygen The Photosynthesis Equation

The Photosynthesis Process Two-Parts Capturing Energy The Photosynthesis Equation CO2 + H2o ---- C6H12O6 + O2 Takes place where chloroplasts are located in the plant Energy (sugar) is used for life processes of the plant Extra sugar is stored by the plant Oxygen released into the environment