Photosynthesis

​Learning Target:

Identify the reactants, products, and basic functions of photosynthesis.

​Purpose of Photosynthesis

Chemical reaction using light energy (sunlight) to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates (glucose, sugar).

Carbohydrates = quick energy, sugars (plant food!)

Photosynthesis Equation

Leaves are the major food-producing organs of plants.
Designed to "catch" the sunlight This means they are the main site of photosynthesis

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Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts.

• Plants, algae, some protists, and some bacteria use photosynthesis to create their sugars/food.

* Takes place in prokaryotic cell membrane since they lack chloroplasts.

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​The color green found in many plants leaves comes from chlorophyll molecules.

Chlorophyll is a green pigmented light-absorbing molecule, that captures the solar energy from the sun.