Photosynthesis
The Sun is our most
important source of
energy and provides it to
us in the form of light
and heat.
Why do we need energy?
Energy is need by all living organism to carry out all 7 life
processes.
What are the 7 Life Processes?
Remember: MRS GREN
Movement
Respiration
Sensitivity
Growth
Reproduction
Excretion
Nutrition
What is Photosynthesis?
A food manufacturing process during which plants combine
carbon dioxide and water with the aid of sunlight, in the presence
of chlorophyll, to make glucose.
Oxygen is released during this process.
Equation for Photosynthesis
Radiant energy
oxygen chlorophyll
glucose / food
carbon dioxide
water
Requirements for Photosynthesis
Main source of energy that is obtained from the
sunlight
Sun.
Absorbed from the atmosphere through stomata
carbon dioxide
(tiny openings in the leaves).
Green pigment found in all green plants which
chlorophyll
absorbs sunlight.
Absorbed from the soil by the roots and
water
transported up the stem to the leaves.
Products of Photosynthesis
Main product of photosynthesis. Plants change glucose
into starch and cellulose. Starch is the main form of in
glucose
which energy is stored in plants. Cellulose is a tough
substance used to strengthen and support the plant.
oxygen Gas (released into the air as a by product). This gas is
used by plants and animals for cellular respiration.
Drawing showing the structure of a leaf
apex
network of veins
margin
lamina
midrib
petiole
The Importance of Photosynthesis
1. Atmospheric gases
During photosynthesis plants take in carbon dioxide and give
off oxygen as a by-product. This process maintains a balance
of gases in the atmosphere.
2. Food
All animals depend directly or indirectly on plants for food. Most of
the world’s population obtain more that 80% of their food daily
from plants. Rice, wheat, potatoes and maize form the staple
diet of many countries.
Experiment – Test for Photosynthesis
AIM: To demonstrate that leaves produce starch during
photosynthesis. https://youtu.be/Uz7JnVUWCZQ
METHOD: 1. Boil the leaf in water for about a minute until
the cell walls and cuticle are broken down and the
leaf looks "flaccid".
2. Heat the leaf in alcohol/ethanol/methylated spirits,
using a water bath to remove chlorophyll.
PRECAUTIONS: Alcohol is flammable, do not let it boil
or spill!!!
3. Rinse the leaf in water to soften leaf and remove
alcohol.
4. Spread leaf out in a petri-dish or white tile.
5. Drip iodine solution onto the leaf.
Results: The leaf turns blue / black in colour.
Conclusion: Leaves produce starch during photosynthesis.
Homework: Exercise 2.1 page 28
