Photosynthesis

Figure 7.6: Photosynthesis changes the energy from the sun into chemical energy and splits water to liberate O2 and fixes CO2 into sugar. Image from URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Simple_photosynthesis_overview.svg, Author: Daniel Mayer

Figure 7.6: Photosynthesis changes the energy from the sun into chemical energy and splits water to liberate O2 and fixes CO2 into sugar.
Image from URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Simple_photosynthesis_overview.svg, Author: Daniel Mayer

Simply put, photosynthesis is the chemical combination of water and carbon dioxide in the presence of light to make sugar compounds. In reality, it is an incredibly complex process involving physical and chemical reactions through many steps. It is the process a plant uses to make the compounds that give it the energy to grow and maintain itself, or its food.

Photosynthesis requires light to excite the electrons in plant pigments, mainly chlorophyll, so it has to occur during the day and in the above-ground portion of the plant.

 

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The MSP project is funded by an ESEA, Title II Part B Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. MSP was developed by the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program and faculty from Montana Tech of The University of Montana and Montana State University, with support from other Montana University System Faculty.