This deep dive covers How Photosynthesis Works within Photosynthesis for GCSE Biology. Topic 1: Photosynthesis It is section 3 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔬 How Photosynthesis Works
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Word equation: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen. Symbol equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (requires light energy). It occurs in the chloroplasts, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll that absorbs light. Photosynthesis is endothermic — it stores light energy as chemical energy in glucose. The rate of photosynthesis is controlled by limiting factors: light intensity, CO₂ concentration, and temperature.
Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts — organelles found in plant cells and algae. Chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy (mainly red and blue wavelengths) and uses it to power the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
The balanced symbol equation is:
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 (requires light energy)
Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction — it absorbs energy from light and stores it as chemical energy in glucose molecules.
Practice questions for Photosynthesis
Where does photosynthesis take place in plant cells?
Write the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis.