Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis uses energy to change carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
• It takes place in chloroplasts in green plant cells - they contain pigments like chloropyll that absorb light.
• Energy is transferred to the chloroplasts from the environment by light.
• Photosynthesis is endothermic - this means energy is transferred from the environment in the process.

• The word equation for photosynthesis is:

Carbon  dioxide + water ---> glucose + oxygen

• The symbol equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO2 + 6H2O ---> C6H12O6 + 6O2

• For respiration - This transfer of energy from glucose which enables the plants to convert the rest of the glucose into various other useful substances.
• Making cellulose - Glucose is converted into cellulose for making strong plant cell walls.
• Making amino acids - Glucose is combined with nitrate ions (absorbed by the soil) to make amino acids, which are then made into proteins.

• Stored as oil or fats - Glucose is turned into lipids for storing in seeds.
• Stored as starch - Glucose is turned into starch and stored in the roots, stems and leaves, ready for use when photosynthesis isn't happening, like in the winter. 
• Starch is insoluble, which makes it much better for storing than glucose - a cell with lots o glucose in would draw in loads of water and swell up.