Photosynthesis
⭐ MasteredPlants make their own food using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. They release oxygen, which we breathe.
A single large tree can produce enough oxygen for several people.
All about Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food. Leaves catch sunlight with a green chemical called chlorophyll. The plant uses that energy to turn water and carbon dioxide into a sugar called glucose.
As a by-product, plants release oxygen into the air.
Plants take in water through their roots and carbon dioxide through tiny holes in their leaves. Using the energy from sunlight, they combine these ingredients to make sugar, which gives them energy to grow.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows a plant taking in sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. Watch the energy from the Sun change into food for the plant, while oxygen bubbles out into the air. The plant grows as it makes more food.
Real-life uses of Photosynthesis
- Growing crops like wheat, rice and carrots for food
- Producing the oxygen that people and animals breathe
- Powering solar panels on farms and in homes, which use sunlight in a similar way
Frequently asked questions about Photosynthesis
What is photosynthesis in simple words?
It is how plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to make their own food and release oxygen.
Where does photosynthesis happen?
Mostly in the leaves, inside tiny parts of the cells called chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll.
Do plants need light to make food?
Yes. Light provides the energy for photosynthesis, which is why plants in dark places grow weak and pale.