Plants

Plants

Photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide + water ---> glucose + oxygen.

Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll. Absorbed light is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into a sugar called glucose. Oxygen is released as a by-product.

Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Amount of water
• Carbon dioxide concentration
• Light intensity
• Temperature

Leaf structure

Leaves are stuctured to carry out photosynthesis effectively.

A leaf needs

• The ability to absorb light energy efficiently
• A way to transport water to the leaf, and glucose to the other parts of the plant
• A way to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen

Features and functions

• Large surface area to maximise light absorption
• Thin for…