SECTION 8-2Photosynthesis

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Plants use the energy of sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into high-energy carbohydrates (sugar & starches) and oxygen.

6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2

Carbon + Water sugar + oxygen

dioxide

Only occurs in Autotrophs

PHOTOSYNTHESIS CONT.

In addition to water and carbon dioxide, photosynthesis requires light and chlorophyll, a molecule found in chloroplasts.

Chlorophyll does not absorb green light very well.

Green light is reflected by leaves, which is why plants look green.