Additional biology AQA - How plants produce food

Photosynthesis can only be carried out by green plants.

The equation for photosynthesis is:

carbon dioxide + water (+light energy) -----> glucose +oxygen

The carbon dioxide is taken in by the leaves, and the water by the roots.

 The chlorophyll traps the energy needed for photosynthesis.

In photosynthesis the sugar glucose is made. Oxygen is given off as waste.

The produce of photosynthesis is glucose. Glucose is used for repiration.

Glucose is also combined with other nutrients by the plant to produce new materials.

Glucose is stored by some plants as insoluble starch. It is stored as an insoluble substance so that it has no effect on osmosis.

Plants use glucose for energy.

Plants get minerals from their roots which take up mineral salts.

Nitrates are taking from the soil produce amino acids. These are used to make proteins for growth. A plant that does not take up nitrates will become nitrat deficient and will have stunned growth.

Plants also take up magnesium which produces chlorophyll. If the plant does not take up magnesium it will become magnesium defficiant and will have yellow leaves.