2.18: Understand the Process of Photosynthesis and its Importance in the Conversion of Light Energy to Chemical Energy

PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Production of Carbon compounds (Glucose) in cells using light energy from the Sun

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• Light energy from the sun is absorbed by Chlorophyll to produce Glucose which is stored as Starch for growth, and Oxygen as a waste product
• Glucose produced in Photosynthesis is passed down the food chain from one organism to another, hence why Plants are called Producers (bottom of the food chain)
• While Photosynthesis only occurs under the presence of sunlight, aerobic respiration occurs at all times of day and uses Glucose produced from Photosynthesis to produce energy (used for cell growth) and Carbon Dioxide (waste product or used for Photosynthesis)

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EQUATION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS:

Carbon Dioxide       +       Water       →       Glucose       +       Oxygen          6CO2                         6H2O                    C6H12O6                     6O2