What is the process of photosynthesis …

The process of making of food by green plants in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll is known as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the combination of two words- Photo + Synthesis. ‘Photo’ means light and ‘Synthesis’ means to make.

Process of food making in green plants:

Green plants make their food themselves. Green leaves make food from Carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll.

Leaves have several tiny pore-like structures on the lower surface. Such a pore is called stomata through which leaves absorb carbon dioxide from air. Water is transported to the leaves through hair like pipelines from the roots. These pipelines are present throughout the plant, i.e. from roots to branches and leaves. These pipe-lines are known as Xylem. Xylem is a type of tissue. Chlorophyll, a green pigment, is found in green leaves. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and gives energy. Chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis. Carbohydrate is used as food and oxygen is emitted out to atmosphere. This whole process of making food by plants is called photosynthesis.

The reaction that takes place in the process of photosynthesis can be written as:

<i>6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂</i>

Carbohydrate which is produced in the process of photosynthesis is ultimately converted into starch and stored in leaves. From leaves it is transported to different parts of a plant. Starch is a type of carbohydrate. The oxygen so produced is released into atmosphere through the stomata.

Leaves are known as the kitchen or food factories of the plants because photosynthesis takes place in leaves. Leaves look green because of the presence of chlorophyll.

Besides leaves, photosynthesis also takes place in other green parts of the plant also, such as in green stems. Chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis; hence photosynthesis takes place only in green plants.

The leaves of plants that grow in desert areas are modified in spine like structure or scales to reduce the loss of water in the course of transpiration. In such plants photosynthesis takes place in green stems. Stem is modified into thick spongy leaf-like structures in such plants.

Photosynthesis helps to maintain a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as it absorbs carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis. Thus sun is the ultimate source of energy for all living organism.

Our earth is the unique planet, where photosynthesis takes place. In the absence of photosynthesis life would not be possible on earth.