Photosynthesis (WJEC GCSE Biology)

Photosynthesis

• Plants make their own carbon-compounds through the process of photosynthesis

• During photosynthesis energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, a green pigment found inside chloroplasts

• The light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose

  • Oxygen is made and released as a waste product

• The chemical reactions of photosynthesis are catalysed by enzymes

Photosynthesis word equation

How do plants use the glucose produced during photosynthesis?

• The glucose can enter respiration, releasing energy for the plant

• Glucose can also be converted to other carbon-compounds, e.g.

  • Starch for storage

  • Cellulose for building cell walls

  • Amino acids which are used to build plant proteins

  • Lipids, such as the oils used to store energy inside seeds

Uses of glucose diagram

Glucose can be used in respiration or converted into other carbon compounds such as starch, cellulose, amino acids, and oils