1. Photosynthesis

2. What happens?
Plants combine water and carbon dioxide to make sugar (glucose) and oxygen
Chlorophyll is needed
Sunlight provides the energy
6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2

4. Water enters the roots and move to the leaves through xylem
CO2 enters through small openings in the leaves called stomata
Center of leaves have cells with chloroplasts
Contain chlorophyll
Capture light energy

5. Photosynthesis occurs in 2 main stages
Light-Independent Reactions
Powered by energy from ATP and NADPH
CO2 comes in
Glucose is produced
Light-Dependent Reactions:
Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll
Water molecules are split – produce O2
Energy molecules are made:
a) ATP
b) NADPH

6. These reactions occur in chloroplasts

7. Once sugar is made it can either be:
Used by plant for energy
Carried by phloem to roots or stem for storage
Oxygen made in the light reactions leaves the leaf through stomata

8. Why is Photosynthesis Important?
Starts most food chains
Most autotrophs use photosynthesis to make food
Removes CO2 from atmosphere
Build up of CO2 contributes to Global Warming