Photosynthesis and Plant Structure

Front

Photosynthesis is a series of chemical reactions summarized by a word equation.

Back

Photosynthesis requires energy and chlorophyll, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Front

Roots are adapted to absorb water from the soil.

Back

Roots are branched and spread out, with root hair cells that have a large surface area to absorb water quickly. Water flows up xylem vessels to the leaf.

Front

Mineral salts in water are essential for plant health.

Back

Mineral salts help plants make proteins and prevent wilting by keeping cells filled and leaves cool.

Front

Carbon dioxide enters leaves through stomata.

Back

Air diffuses through stomata, and leaves are thin to minimize the distance carbon dioxide travels to reach cells.

Front

Leaves are designed to maximize light absorption.

Back

Leaves are wide with a large surface area and are arranged to avoid shading each other. Most photosynthesis occurs in palisade cells packed with chloroplasts.

Front

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll.

Back

Chlorophyll is a green chemical that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Increasing light can speed up photosynthesis.

Front

Diagram of leaf structure showing stomata and chloroplasts.

Back

Front

Aerobic respiration releases energy stored in glucose.

Back

Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Front

Uses of glucose in plants

Back

1. Respiration to release energy 2. Making energy stores like starch 3. Creating new materials for growth

Front

Role of phloem vessels in plants

Back

Phloem vessels carry new substances made by a plant.