Photosynthesis

Introduction

Photosynthesis is how plants create energy from the sun.  Special features of plant cells allow them to use a substance called ATP, or Adenosine Triphosphate, to create living things that we can eat..  Plants use ATP to grow, by making sugars and starches to make the plants we are familiar with.   Animals create their own ATP through a different process, but primary consumers must eat the sugar and starches from plants to do this.  Follow along with the sections to read more about photosynthesis and life. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/ySRWjv1nNDepoJrt5

 

Task

Process

1.  What are the two major stages of photosynthesis?

2.  Name two inputs to photosynthesis.

3.  What is the substance whose pigment captures sunlight in photosynthesis?

4.  What would happen to a plant that had a long period of no access to light?

Please answer these questions then see the next slide for the answers. 

Evaluation

1.  Light Dependent Reaction and Light Independent Reaction

2.  Light, Oxygen, Water

3.  Chlorophyll

4.  It will die because it has no means to make energy/ATP.

Conclusion

The ability for plants to use sunlight and convert it to energy (ATP) is one of he most important factors in biology.  From physics, we know energy is conserved, but id plants did not create and conserve this energy in sugars and starches no other life would be able to exist.  Being aware of the process of photosynthesis is key because it is this process that initially brings energy to Earth in the form of sunlight through this key process.  I encourage you to read more about it online.  Beyond the resources I provided, the importance of photosynthesis is key. Without this process, there would be no life on Earth.

Credits

Teacher Page

Scott Rodarte holds a BS in finance and an MS in accounting and has spent the last several years in commercial real estate finance though has recently decided to make a career change to teaching. Currently a substitute teacher, once he completes his sigle subject  teacher prep program and MAE he hopes to teach in the sciences.