Fantastic Voyage - Photosynthesis

For my project I have chosen the subject of Energy.

I will be talking about Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that, through cellular respiration, can later be released to fuel the organisms metabolic activities. 

Carbon Dioxide, Water and Light are all needed for Photosynthesis to take place. 

Unlike animals, Plants can make their own food by this process, and of course plants need food to respire, grow and reproduce. Photosynthesis takes place in the part of the plant cell containing chloroplasts, these are small structures that contain chlorophyll. 

Process:

Carbon Dioxide enters through the Stomata on the underside of the leaf. 

Water is then absorbed by the root hair cells and transported to the leaf by the xylem vessels. 

Sunlight then provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to take place. In this process carbon dioxide and water are converted into oxygen (a waste product which is released back into the air) and glucose (the source of energy for the plant). 

Oxygen is released through the stomata on the underside of the leaf; glucose is transported around the plant in the phloem vessels. 

How are leaves adapted for Photosynthesis?

Leaves are green as they contain lots of chlorophyll to absorb the sunlight.

They have a large surface area to maximise the amount of sunlight they can absorb.

They are thin to allow easy diffusion of gases in and out of the leaf.

They have veins (xylem and phloem) to allow the transportation of water, mineral ions and glucose (energy).