Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and other organisms like algae use the energy from sunlight to create foods, sugar, from carbon dioxide and water.

Photosynthesis occurs in a special organelle, or compartment of the cell, called a chloroplast. Chloroplasts have a special molecule called Chlorophyll which absorbs the energy from light and uses it to power the process of photosynthesis.

Oxygen is also created in the process and is what we call a byproduct. A byproduct is something that is unintentionally created in the process of creating something else.

Reactants:

• Carbon Dioxide: Pulled from the air through openings on the underside of leaves called stomata.
• Water: Pulled from the soil with the roots.

Products:

• Glucose: Sugar that can be stored in the roots or fruits of the plant.
• Oxygen: Because it is a byproduct, the plant does not store or use it. Instead the oxygen is released through the openings on the underside of leaves called stomata.