transformation of water and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen
photosynthesis as the foundation of virtually all food webs
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the necessary life process that transforms light energy
into chemical energy.
It involves a series of chemical reactions in which
the light energy is used to change raw materials (carbon dioxide and
water) into products (sugar and oxygen).
The energy is stored in the
chemical bonds of the glucose (sugar) molecules.
Chlorophyll is a chemical in chloroplasts that can absorb or trap light
energy.
Plants convert the sugars they produce into other raw materials that are
used by plants and animals for growth, repair, and energy needs.
Energy is a basic need of all living things.
Photosynthesizing organisms
obtain their energy from the sun and are often called producers because
of their ability to produce glucose (sugar).
Photosynthesizing organisms are the foundation of virtually all food
webs.
Plants perform cellular respiration as well as photosynthesis.
Students should know the following about photosynthesis:
the raw materials used and products generated.
the cellular organelles involved
how energy from photosynthesis is used
how photosynthesis relates to producers and their role in food webs
that cellular respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis
