PHOTOSYN

THESIS
 What is
Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert carbon
dioxide and water into glucose by using energy from sunlight
absorbed by chlorophyll in chloroplasts.
 Carbon Dioxide - comes from the air and
enters the leaf through stomata (tiny pores).

Raw
material Water - comes from the soil and enters
through the roots and travels up the xylem
vessels.
s
Conditions
Sunlight - is absorbed into leaves of plants.

Chlorophyll - found in chloroplasts of the plant cell and is responsible for

absorbing sunlight. It is a pigment that gives the plant its colour.
Conditions
Temperature - suitable temperature so that enzymes can work.

Enzymes - These are responsible for breaking down carbon dioxide and
water and making glucose and oxygen
 products
Glucose - is used by the plant as food. Any excess is stored as starch.

Oxygen - is a waste product of photosynthesis and is eliminated from the leaves

via the stomata.
 Worded Equation
SUNLIGHT
CARBON DIOXIDE + WATER GLUCOSE + OXYGEN
CHLOROPHYL
L
 Chemical Equation
SUNLIGH
6CO2 + 6H2O C6
HT O +
12 6 6O2
CHLOROPHYLL
Fate of the products of
photosynthesis
The plant uses oxygen and glucose produced during
photosynthesis for various different functions.
OXYGEN
● Is used by leaf cells in respiration.
● Excess oxygen diffuses out of the leaves into
the air.
 Glucose
● It can be used by leaf cells in respiration to release energy.
● It can be converted to starch by leaf cells and stored.
● It can be converted to other useful organic substances such as amino acids and proteins.
● It can be converted to sucrose and transported to other growing parts of the plant and storage
organs eg. peanuts, soya beans, wheat, rice and tubers.
THE
EXTERNAL
STRUCTURE
OF A LEAF
 External ● Laminae are broad and flat to provide
large surface area.
Adaptations of ● Laminae are thin to enable sunlight and
gases to diffuse easily.
the leaf for ●
●
Laminae lie at 90 degrees to sunlight.
Laminae are spaced around stems to
photosynthesis maximize exposure to sunlight.
 Stomata are present to allow gases to diffuse
INternal in and out.

Adaptations of the Chloroplasts are present containing

chlorophyll for absorption of sunlight.
leaf for Waxy cuticle prevents loss of water.
photosynthesis