Photosynthesis Overview

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.
• Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food using photosynthesis. Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.
• Heterotrophs are organisms, like animals and fungi, that cannot produce their own food and must consume other organisms or organic matter for energy.

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

• Autotrophs are producers, meaning they make their own food.
• Heterotrophs are consumers, meaning they rely on other organisms for food.

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in chloroplasts of plants and algae.
• Chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun, primarily in the blue and red wavelengths.

Photosynthesis Equation

• Photosynthesis is summarized by the following equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (Carbon dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen)

Expressing Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis converts light energy to chemical energy stored in sugars.
• This energy is used by organisms for growth and other essential life processes.

How Organisms Use the Sun to Obtain Food

• Plants use chlorophyll to capture the sun's energy.
• This captured sunlight drives the chemical reactions in photosynthesis, producing food (sugars).

Energy from the Sun

• The sun is the primary source of energy for most life on Earth.
• Plants absorb sunlight to convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Trapping Sun's Energy

• Chlorophyll within plant cells absorbs sunlight.
• This absorbed light energy fuels the process of photosynthesis, enabling plants to synthesize their own food.