[ Reading passage ]
Photosynthesis is a chemical process that allows plants to create their own food. It mainly takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs sunlight.
The basic equation of photosynthesis is:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) + Water (H₂O) + Sunlight → Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + Oxygen (O₂)
Let’s break it down:
1️⃣ Water is absorbed from the soil through the plant’s roots.
2️⃣ Carbon dioxide enters the plant through small openings in the leaves called stomata.
3️⃣ Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll.
Using energy from sunlight, the plant transforms carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The glucose provides energy for the plant’s growth, while the oxygen is released into the air.
Photosynthesis is very important for life on Earth. Without it, plants would not grow, and there would be much less oxygen for animals and humans to breathe. It also forms the base of the food chain — plants make energy that other living things depend on.
In summary, photosynthesis is a vital process where plants use sunlight to produce food and oxygen. It supports life on our planet!
[ Key Vocabulary Box ]
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | The process plants use to make food from sunlight. |
| Chlorophyll | The green substance in plants that captures sunlight. |
| Chloroplast | A part of plant cells where photosynthesis happens. |
| Carbon dioxide (CO₂) | A gas in the air that plants use in photosynthesis. |
| Water (H₂O) | Absorbed by roots, used in photosynthesis. |
| Glucose | A sugar made by plants; used as food/energy. |
| Oxygen (O₂) | A gas plants produce during photosynthesis; animals and humans breathe it. |
| Stomata | Tiny openings in leaves where gases enter and exit. |
[ Review Questions ]
1️⃣ Where does photosynthesis happen inside plant cells?
2️⃣ Write the basic equation of photosynthesis.
3️⃣ How does carbon dioxide enter the plant?
4️⃣ Why is photosynthesis important for life on Earth?
5️⃣ What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
