How do plants make your food? (Photosynthesis explained)
Introduction to photosynthesis:
The plants are incredible! You have the ability to cook your own meals in the sunlight.
This process is called photosynthesis. Just as humans and animals need food to survive, plants need food to grow, stay healthy, and produce flowers, fruits and seeds. But in contrast to us, they don’t have to eat or drink. You cook a meal by yourself.
Let’s investigate how this magical process occurs!
What is photosynthesis?
It happens in the leaves of plants that use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce food.
Food is a type of sugar called glucose, and oxygen is released as by-product. Glucose is the energy that allows plants to grow, develop and survive.
Photosynthesis Equalization:
To understand this process more easily, we can write it as a simple equation:
Sunlight + Water + Water carbon – Glucose (supply) + Oxygen
All parts mean. It is absorbed from the ground by the roots of the plant.
Carbon dioxide:
Gas from the air passing through the leaves. On the leaves of plants. Insert it into a simple procedure.
1. Plants take water:
The roots of plants absorb water from the ground. This water drives the leaves to the leaves through small tubes called xylems. Water is an important component during photosynthesis.
2. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide:
The leaves have small openings on their surfaces called stomas (singular form: stomas). These small holes allow plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Stomata releases oxygen when plants do it.
3. Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll:
The leaves contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps plants absorb sunlight. So the plants are green! Sunlight is a very important ingredient because it gives energy to food production. Chlorophyll captures this sunlight and converts it into energy that plants can use.
4. Chemical Reactions:
As soon as sunlight, water and carbon dioxide are in the leaves, they all bind in a chloroplast chemical reaction (small parts of the leaves’s cells). This process creates glucose (plant food) and oxygen (returning the plant into the air).
5. Glucose is used in plants:
Glucose produced during photosynthesis is the energy that plants grow. It can be stored in various parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and leaves. Plants use this energy to build new cells, grow large, produce flowers and fruits, and even repair damage.
Why is photosynthesis so important?
Photosynthesis is not important to plants. It is also essential for life on earth! Here, why:
Foods of Plants: Photosynthesis allows plants to produce their own food and grow. Without plants, there is not enough oxygen to survive. Animals and humans eat plants and animals that eat plants. Therefore, photosynthesis forms the basis of all life on Earth.
Factors that influence photosynthesis. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Sunlight:
The amount of sunlight is one of the most important factors. Photosynthesis cannot occur without sunlight. If the plant is not getting enough light, it cannot produce enough food. Therefore, plants should grow in places where they can be exposed to a lot of sunlight, such as sunny gardens and forests.
2. Water:
The plants also need sufficient water. If there is not enough water, the plants will not be able to properly feed them. Sometimes plants can drain water from the rain, but they can also remove water from the ground.
3. Carbon Dioxide:
The amount of carbon dioxide in the air can also affect photosynthesis. Plants absorb carbon dioxide through the stomata of their leaves. If carbon dioxide is not sufficient, photosynthesis will slow down.
4. Temperature:
Photosynthesis works best at specific temperatures. If it’s too hot or too cold, the plant may not be able to properly perform photosynthesis. Therefore, plants grow best in warm, medium climate zones.
5. Chlorophyll:
The green pigment called chlorophyll is extremely important for photosynthesis. Without chlorophyll, plants cannot absorb sunlight and carry out photosynthesis.
Examples of natural photosynthesis
1. Simple Green Plants:
A common example of photosynthesis is simple green plants, such as the bean system. This plant absorbs sunlight through its leaves, water through its roots, and carbon dioxide is absorbed by small holes in the leaves. The leaves are called stomata. Plants produce glucose and release oxygen as waste.
2. Trees in the forest:
Large trees such as oak trees and pine trees also carry out photosynthesis. The giant surface of your leaves (or needles in the case of pine) helps you to gather a lot of sunlight, and your deep roots bring in plenty of water to make food for the trees.
3. Desert Cactus:
Even cactus-like plants that live in arid deserts can carry out photosynthesis. Cacti have special adjustments, such as thick stems that help to save water and produce food. They usually photosynthesize during the cool parts of the day and at nights where it is not hot.
Plant photosynthesis against animals.
Conclusion :
It is important to understand that animals do not produce their own food. Animals must eat plants and other animals to obtain the energy they need. However, since plants are producers, they can produce their own food through photosynthesis. Animals are consumers. In other words, they rely on eating other food organisms. It helps to produce plants with sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. In return, plants provide oxygen to humans and animals. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth is impossible, as we know. Remember the next time you see plants or trees.
