Photosynthesis can

also be written as
two equations. Welcome to
Planet Earth

Photosynthesis occurs in any

plant structure that contains From the Scientific Officer:
chlorophyll, i.e. is green; Bianca Jaggernauth (4.1)

however, it mainly occurs in

the leaves.

Photosynthesis occurs in the

chloroplasts of plant cells.

We hope you enjoy your stay at

Planet Earth however we ask
that you be mindful of our life
processes here!
LET'S LEARN ABOUT... THE TWO STAGES OF

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis

What is
Photosynthesis? THE LIGHT/ LIGHT THE DARK/ LIGHT
PUT SIMPLY, PHOTOSYNTHESIS IS THE
PROCESS WHEREBY GREEN PLANTS USE
DEPENDANT STAGE INDEPENDANT STAGE
WATER, SUNLIGHT AND CARBIN DIOXIDE
TO PRODUCE THEIR OWN FOOD.

This stage requires light This stage takes place

Why is it
energy. whether or not light is
important?
Light energy is absorbed present.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS IS IMPORTANT
FOR ALL LIVING ORGANISMS by the chlorophyll in the The hydrogen atoms (H),
BECAUSE IT PROVIDES THE
OXYGEN NEEDED BY MOST LIVING chloroplasts and is used produced in the light
CREATURES FOR SURVIVAL ON
THE PLANET. to split water molecules stage, reduce the carbon
WITHOUT PHOTOSYNTHESIS,
THERE WOULD BE LITTLE TO NO into hydrogen and dioxide molecules
OXYGEN ON THE PLANET.
GREEN PLANTS AND TREES USE
oxygen. forming glucose.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS TO MAKE FOOD
The oxygen (O2) is a
FROM SUNLIGHT, CARBON The dark stage requires
DIOXIDE AND WATER IN THE waste product and is
ATMOSPHERE; IT IS THEIR enzymes.
PRIMARY SOURCE OF ENERGY. released as a gas.