Photosynthesis - a chemical reaction Flashcards
what is photosynthesis
photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that occurs in autotrophs.
For life on earth to exist, photosynthesis is essential
what are ways the organisms obtain energy
Some organisms obtain energy directly from thesun(autotrophs)
others obtain it from thefoodthey eat (heterotrophs).
how do plants get energy
Plantsareautotrophic. They useradiant energyfrom thesunto produce their ownnutritionthrough the process ofphotosynthesis.
what is the scientific explanation of photosynthesis
the chemicalprocess wherebyglucoseisproducedusingradiantenergy.
what reactions happen in the body
Variouschemical reactionsare constantly occurring in your body, and in the bodies of all living organisms. Thesemetabolicreactions keep organisms alive and are controlled byenzymes.
what are the two types of reactions
Anabolicreactions involve theformationof asubstance
Catabolicreactions involve thebreakingdownof asubstance.
- Photosynthesisis ananabolicreaction as it involves theformationofglucose.
what reactants are needed for photosynthesis
Thereactantsneeded forphotosynthesisarewaterandcarbondioxide. Vascular plants absorbwaterfrom thesoil, through theirroots. This istransportedaround the plants, to theleaves, through thexylemvessels. Plants obtaincarbon dioxidethrough thestomataon theirleaveswhere gas exchange occurs.
The water and carbon dioxidereact, forming theproductsofphotosynthesis- oxygenandglucose.Oxygenis awaste productand isreleasedfrom the plant through thestomata. Theglucoseis used by the plant forcellular respiration.
what makes it possible for this reaction to take place
Photosynthesis is anendothermicreaction, meaning itneedsaddedenergyto occur. This energy isradiantenergyfrom thesun. Plants use agreenpigmentcalledchlorophyllto capture and harness this radiant energy. Certainenzymesare also required for the process to occur. We will look at these shortly.
