Photosynthesis

Lesson

Part 1 — how green leaves turn light, water and carbon dioxide into food and oxygen.

In this lesson you will

Write the balanced equation for photosynthesis and explain its importance
Locate the light and dark phases in the chloroplast and describe each in outline
Relate the structure of a leaf to efficient photosynthesis

Concept

The equation

Photosynthesis: carbon dioxide and water combine, using light energy absorbed by chlorophyll, to form glucose and oxygen. The balanced equation has 24 oxygen atoms on each side.

\ce{6CO2 + 12H2O ->[\text{sunlight}][\text{chlorophyll}] C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O}

\ce{6CO2 + 12H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O}

Sunlight and chlorophyll are written over the arrow

Concept

Why photosynthesis matters

Table of five reasons why photosynthesis is important
Importance	Why
Food	Glucose is the source of food for plants and, through food chains, for animals
Oxygen	Keeps up the oxygen in the air for respiration
Energy	Traps solar energy as chemical energy in food
Carbon dioxide	Removes carbon dioxide from the air
Fuels	Coal, oil and wood store energy trapped long ago

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