🌿 Introduction to Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is one of the most important biological processes on Earth, serving as the foundation for nearly all life. This remarkable chemical reaction occurs primarily in the leaves of plants, where specialized organelles called chloroplasts capture light energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. The process uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and water (H₂O) absorbed through the roots, transforming these simple inorganic molecules into energy-rich organic compounds. As a byproduct, plants release oxygen (O₂) into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms including humans.
The importance of photosynthesis extends far beyond just plant survival—it forms the basis of all food chains and ecosystems on our planet. Every piece of food you eat can be traced back to the energy captured by plants through photosynthesis. Additionally, this process is crucial for regulating Earth's atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and producing oxygen. Scientists estimate that photosynthesis produces approximately 100-115 billion tons of carbon in biomass annually. The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, which shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen when light energy is present.
📄 Worksheets
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Photosynthesis Overview
Learn the basic components of photosynthesis including inputs (sunlight, water, CO₂) and outputs (oxygen, glucose).
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Chloroplast & Cell Structure
Explore the chloroplast structure including grana and thylakoids where photosynthesis takes place.
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Photosynthesis Process
Learn how plants absorb water and CO2, capture sunlight energy, and convert them into sugars and oxygen.
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Importance of Photosynthesis
Discover why photosynthesis is vital for food production, oxygen release, atmospheric balance, and reducing global warming.
Download PDF🎮 Interactive Activities
🧪 Activity 1: Sort the Equation
Drag and drop each component to REACTANTS, ENERGY SOURCE, or PRODUCTS
Drag the items below to the correct category:
⚖️ Activity 2: Balance the Equation
Add the correct coefficients to balance the photosynthesis equation
Enter numbers to balance the atoms on both sides: