Page 10 - All about cells - FULL

C E

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis primarily occurs in plant leaves. The entire process takes place in the
chloroplast. Inside each chloroplast there are green pigment molecules called chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the Sun. This pigment gives plants their green color.

water
light

oxygen energy

energy
water

Plants also need water and
chloroplast carbon dioxide to carry out
glucose carbon the process of photosynthesis.
dioxide Oxygen and food in the form
of sugar are produced.

Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis can be summarized in this simple chemical equation: carbon dioxide
and water are converted to glucose and oxygen, with the use of the Sun’s light energy.
The glucose (sugar) that is produced is used as plant food, converted to more complex
compounds like cellulose, or stored for future use.

light energy
6 CO + 6 H O C H O + 6 O 2
12
6
2
6
2
carbon water glucose oxygen
dioxide chlorophyll
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chloroplast

stroma

granum