PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Key Idea #12 Photosynthesis transforms light energy to

chemical energy which is used to form the key chemical building blocks of living organisms.

http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module19/images/Photosynthesis.jpg

Light energy is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. is used by plants to combine materials from the air,

water, and soil to produce carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (lipids).

can be in the form of sunlight or artificial light.

http://www.petpitcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/4ft_terrarium.jpg

Two Step ProcessStep 1 Captures light energy

– occurs in the chloroplasts of cells

– chlorophyll acts like a solar cell

Step 2 Uses energy to make food

– obtains water from the roots, and carbon dioxide through the stomata

– chemical reaction makes glucose and oxygen

Xylem Xylem tissues are

tubes that carry materials from the roots to the leaves.

Roots soak up water and minerals from the soil.

Cells need minerals in their activities.

Phloem Phloem tissues are

tubes that carry sugar (glucose) away from the leaves to be used by other parts of the plant.

FYI In trees, phloem located

just below the bark. As the phloem cells

form, they push out old phloem which makes up the bark.

http://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/alternative_energy/biomass/photosynthesis.gif

Photosynthesis Equation

light energy

(Sugar)

http://www.annekeckler.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/glucose-molecule.gif

Glucose (C6H12O6) = Sugars (food)

Sugars = Simple Carbohydrates

During the process of photosynthesis

plants uses light energy to produce simple carbohydrates (sugars/glucose).

plants use the sugars as the building block to make bigger carbohydrates and fats.

Carbohydrates

are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen include simple sugars (glucose C6H12O6) include starches (large complex sugar molecules)

FYI An enzyme is a type of protein that speeds

up a chemical reaction in living organisms. When you eat starches like potatoes,

breads, pasta, and rice enzymes break down the starch into glucose, so your body can burn it for energy.

FYI: Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs

Natural foods: body can process have nutritional value

Examples: – Fruits– Leafy vegetables– Beans– Nuts– Seeds– Whole grain breads,

pastas and cereals

Processed foods: body doesn’t process well little nutritional value

– stored as fat

Examples:– Baked goods– Snack foods– Candy– Non diet soft drinks– White breads, pastas and

cereals

http://www.goodcarbs.org/#what_are_good_carbs

Carbon Dioxide and Water

are the source of carbon, hydrogen, and water found in carbohydrates, proteins and fats (lipids).

are the raw materials in the photosynthesis equation:

Glucose (sugars) and Oxygen

are the products of photosynthesis

Plants (producers) produce their own food

using energy from light to make glucose (sugar molecules) from the atoms of carbon dioxide and water.

use sugars along with minerals from the soil to form fats, proteins, and larger carbohydrates which can be – used immediately – used by the plant as the

plant grows– stored for later use.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/botany/images/fig24.gif

Plants make, use, and store food

A seed contains stored food. As it germinates, the seed

shrivels as the growing seedling uses its stored food.

Plant parts rich in food value are nuts, seeds, roots (carrots and beets), and fruits

Animals get energy and useful materials by eating plants or plant parts.

http://www.tomatosphere.org/teacher-resources/teachers-guide/images/transparency/seed-germination.jpg

Plants contain specialized food storage

structures which include: Roots Tubers Bulbs