photosynthesis Flashcards
nuclear fusion
the pressure the sun has due to the large amount of hydrogen gas that is very dense at the center of the sun. the immense pressure and temperature causes the hydrogen gas to be converted into helium gas.
energy from the sun
helium is a much lighter gas than hydrogen and the difference in mass between the two gases is converted into large amounts of energy radiated from the sun.
visible light
the portion of sunlight that our eyes are sensitive to.
infra-red rays
the bigger,but invisible part, also known as heat rays is the warm we feel when our skin is in direct contact to sunlight.
ultra-violet rays
the energy that is absorbed by plants to manufacture food is also responsible for sunburn on light skins.
energy conversion
to utilize the sun’s radiant energy an energy conversion has to happen. green plants have the ability to absorb sunlight, because the cells of their leaves and young stems contain chloroplasts.
chloroplasts
very small cell organelles that are practically filled with molecules called chlorophyll.
chlorophyll
green pigments that are able to absorb the radiant energy of the sun and convert it to chemical potential energy.
photosynthesis
during the process of photosynthesis a green plant absorbs radiant energy to manufacture organic food, namely glucose. the plant uses water and carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
energy conversions that make life possible on earth
radiant energy (light) is converted into chemical potential energy (organic food).
inorganic substances (carbon dioxide and water) are converted to organic substances (glucose).
raw materials to photosynthesise
carbon dioxide, which they absorb from the air by their leaves
water, absorbed from the soil by their roots
and a green pigment, called chlorophyll,
radiant/light energy, absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments
products of photosynthesis
organic food, glucose
oxygen that is released into the air as a by-product
converting glucose into other types of organic food
starch that is stored in leaves, stem and roots
proteins that are used to grow
cellulose to strengthen the plant
oils that are stored in seeds
fossil fuels
coal, oil and natural gas are all derived from ancient plants and animals, and the energy stored within them is chemical potential energy that originally came from sunlight through photosynthesis. some of the electricity we use at home, is generated from coal.
