Introduction to Photosynthesis

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Photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

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Photosynthesis

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A process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugar.

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Example: This diagram shows how plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

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Radiant Energy Noun

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[rey-dee-uhnt en-er-jee]

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Radiant Energy

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Energy that travels through space as waves or particles, such as the light that comes from the Sun.

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Example: Radiant energy travels from the Sun to Earth as waves, demonstrating how sunlight reaches our planet.

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Chemical Energy Noun

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[kem-i-kuhl en-er-jee]

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Chemical Energy

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Energy stored within the bonds of chemical compounds, such as the energy found in glucose molecules used for food.

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Example: Glucose is broken down to release chemical energy stored in its bonds, producing ATP.

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Glucose Noun

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[gloo-kohs]

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Glucose

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A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a primary product of photosynthesis.

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Example: This diagram shows the molecular structure of glucose, a simple sugar made during photosynthesis.

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Reactants Noun

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[ree-ak-tuhnts]

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Reactants

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The starting substances that are consumed during a chemical reaction to be converted into new substances called products.

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Example: Reactants like CH4 and O2 are transformed into products CO2 and H2O in a chemical reaction.

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Products Noun

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[prod-uhkts]

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Products

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The new substances that are formed as the result of a chemical reaction between the starting reactants.

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Example: The image shows how reactants like CO2 and H2O form products in a chemical reaction.

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Carbon Dioxide Noun

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[kahr-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd]

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Carbon Dioxide

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A gas in the atmosphere that plants absorb and use as a key reactant during the process of photosynthesis.

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Example: The image shows carbon dioxide entering a plant, which uses it to produce sugars during photosynthesis.

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Oxygen Noun

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[ok-si-jin]

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Oxygen

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A gas produced by plants during photosynthesis that is essential for the respiration of most living organisms.

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Example: The image shows a plant producing oxygen during photosynthesis, with arrows indicating the flow of gases and light.

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Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

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Molecule

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The smallest particle of a substance, made of two or more atoms chemically bonded together, that retains its properties.

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Example: This image shows a water molecule, H2O, with two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.

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Cyanobacteria Noun

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[sahy-uh-noh-bak-teer-ee-uh]

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Cyanobacteria

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Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that were responsible for adding large amounts of oxygen to Earth's early atmosphere.

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Example: The image shows the structure of cyanobacteria, highlighting parts like thylakoids where photosynthesis occurs.