give an account of the process of photosynthesisn
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants convert light energy from the sun to chemical energy. The chemical energy is then stored as sugar. During the process of photosynthesis, plants capture light energy and use it to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen (released into the air) and glucose (stored in the plant and used as food).
The photosynthesis process occurs in all plants and algae, as well as in some bacteria species. In addition to light energy, the process also requires water and carbon dioxide. And the end product is sugar.
Photosynthesis takes place inside plant cells in small things called as chloroplasts using chlorophyll – the green pigment in plants. While it usually occurs in leaves, it can also take place in stems albeit in minute proportion.
yellow-hibiscus-under-sunlight
According to Britannica,
“Photosynthesis, the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.”
Despite the fact that photosynthesis occurs in plants and algae, it is beneficial for all lifeforms on the Earth including humans.
In this article, we will have a detailed look at the process of photosynthesis and also explore its importance. Let’s get to it.
Step by Step Process of Photosynthesis
In light of the fact that photosynthesis occurs largely in plant leaves, you should understand the structure of the leaf before you learn how the process works.
A typical leaf is made up of the following parts:
Upper and lower epidermis
Spongy mesophyll
Palisade mesophyll
Cuticle
Vascular bundles
Stomata
Photosynthesis does not occur in the upper and lower epidermis as they don’t have chloroplasts. These parts only serve as a protection of the inner cells of a leaf. The Stomata refer to the microscopic holes found mainly on the lower epidermis. They are for reverse respiration – allow carbon dioxide in and let oxygen out.
The vascular bundles are part of the plant’s transport system. They help in the movement of nutrients and water around the plant. Photosynthesis occurs in the palisade mesophyll cells as they have chloroplasts.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s look at the 4 main steps of photosynthesis:
Step 1
The plant takes in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through the stomata on its leaves. It is worth noting that there are some stomata on the stems as well.
Step 2
Water gets into the plant mainly through the roots and finds its way to the leaves, where photosynthesis occurs. Plant roots are specially designed to draw water from the ground and transport it to the plant leaves through the stem.
Step 3
Chlorophyll, the green coloring matter of the leaf, traps the energy from sunlight as it shines on the leaf. It is worth noting that it is chlorophyll that gives the leaf its green color.
Step 4
The solar energy is used to break water down into hydrogen and oxygen. Then hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to make sugar, which is food for the plant. Oxygen is released as a byproduct through the stomata.
Chemical reactions occur with the help of protons from the water molecules and electrons from the chlorophyll molecules to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP provides energy for cellular reactions and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Diphosphate (NADP), which is integral in plant metabolism.