Photosynthesis at Work
Green plants have the ability to make their own food. They do this through a process called photosynthesis, which uses a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll’s job in a plant is to absorb light—usually sunlight. The energy absorbed from light is transferred to two kinds of energy-storing molecules. Through photosynthesis, the plant uses the stored energy to convert carbon dioxide (absorbed from the air) and water into glucose, a type of sugar. Plants use glucose together with nutrients taken from the soil to make new leaves and other plant parts. The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen, which is released by the plant into the air.
Chlorophyll gives plants their green color because it does not absorb the green wavelengths of white light. That particular light wavelength is reflected from the plant, so it appears green.
-National Geographic Resource Library
For 120 pictures in 2020 topic 43/120, “Forces of nature.”
Photosynthesis at Work
Green plants have the ability to make their own food. They do this through a process called photosynthesis, which uses a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll’s job in a plant is to absorb light—usually sunlight. The energy absorbed from light is transferred to two kinds of energy-storing molecules. Through photosynthesis, the plant uses the stored energy to convert carbon dioxide (absorbed from the air) and water into glucose, a type of sugar. Plants use glucose together with nutrients taken from the soil to make new leaves and other plant parts. The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen, which is released by the plant into the air.
Chlorophyll gives plants their green color because it does not absorb the green wavelengths of white light. That particular light wavelength is reflected from the plant, so it appears green.
-National Geographic Resource Library
For 120 pictures in 2020 topic 43/120, “Forces of nature.”