Plants and Photosynthesis

Created by: Lnectm
Created on: 04-01-16 16:45

Green plants absorb light energy using chlorophyll in their leaves. They use it to react carbon dioxide with water to make a sugar called glucose. The glucose is used in respiration, or converted into starch and stored.

Oxygen is produced as a by-product. This process is called photosynthesis. Temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and light intensity are factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis.

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Photosynthesis is the chemical change which happens in the leaves of green plants. It is the first step towards making food - not just for plants but ultimately every animal on the planet.

During this reaction, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. The reaction requires light energy, which is absorbed by a green substance called chlorophyll.

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Here is the equation for photosynthesis: carbon dioxide + water (+ light energy) → glucose + oxygen.

Plants absorb water through their roots, and carbon dioxide through their leaves. Some glucose is used for respiration, while some is converted into insoluble starch for storage.

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The stored starch can later be turned back into glucose and used in respiration. Oxygen is released as a by-product of photosynthesis.

Plants need to take in a number of elements to stay alive. The most important are: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

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Plants get hydrogen and oxygen from water in the soil, and carbon and oxygen from carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere. Water and carbon dioxide are used to synthesis food during photosynthesis.

Oxygen is used to release energy from food during respiration. In addition to these three elements, plants need a number of minerals for healthy growth. These are absorbed through the roots as mineral ions dissolved in the soil water.

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Two important mineral ions needed by plants are: Nitrate (for making amino acids, which are needed to make proteins) and Magnesium (for making chlorophyll)

Farmers can use their knowledge of these limiting factors to increase crop growth in greenhouses. They may use artificial light so that photosynthesis can continue beyond daylight hours, or in a higher-than-normal light intensity.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

During this reaction, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. The reaction requires light energy, which is absorbed by a green substance called chlorophyll.

Back

Photosynthesis is the chemical change which happens in the leaves of green plants. It is the first step towards making food - not just for plants but ultimately every animal on the planet.

Card 3

Front

Plants absorb water through their roots, and carbon dioxide through their leaves. Some glucose is used for respiration, while some is converted into insoluble starch for storage.

Back

Card 4

Front

Plants need to take in a number of elements to stay alive. The most important are: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

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Plants and Photosynthesis