How Do Plants Capture Energy From the Sun and Make Food?

An Introduction to Photosynthesis

What are we learning today?

BENCHMARKS: OBJECTIVES: I will state the overall

equation of photosynthesis. I will explain how

photosynthesis and cellular respiration are part of an interrelated cycle.

I will describe the factors that affect photosynthesis.

SC.912.L.14.7* SC.912.L.18.7-

Identify the reactants, products, and basic functions of photosynthesis.

SC.912.L.18.9*- Explain the interrelated nature of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.  

REVIEW

Plants, algae, and some bacteria are able to use light energy from the sun to produce food.They are called photosynthetic autotrophs.Animals, fungi, protozoa, and some bacteria obtain their energy from the food they consume.They are called heterotrophs.

What are autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Take Notes

Comes from the Greek words:photo - lightsynthesis - putting together

Therefore, it means “using light to put something together”During photosynthesis, plants use the energy from sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen. The energy is now STORED in the carbohydrate molecule. 6CO2 + 6H2O+ light C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is photosynthesis?

Take Notes

The key process for energy capture (from the sun) and storing it as chemical energy in glucose is photosynthesis.

6CO2 + 6H2O + Light → C6H12O6 + 6O2

Takes place in photosynthetic autotrophs only The energy in glucose is released during

cellular respiration by breaking down glucose and using it to recharge ATP.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP Takes place in ALL organisms!

Do you notice that photosynthesis and cellular respiration are opposite reactions??!! They form a cycle!

Photosynthesis captures and saves energy. Cellular respiration releases and uses the

energy.

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?

Take Notes

Plants gather the sun’s energy with light absorbing molecules called pigments.

ChlorophyllCarotene

When chlorophyll absorbs light , much of the energy is transferred directly to electrons in the chlorophyll molecule.These high-energy electrons make photosynthesis work.

Why are light and pigments needed for photosynthesis?

Gizmo DO NOW (2 minutes)

Complete the Gizmo DO NOW in your Gizmo Packet.

Student Exploration: Photosynthesis LabGuided Gizmo Warm-Up Independent Activity A and B

Exit Slip

1.The overall process of photosynthesis can be represented using a chemical equation. Like all chemical equations, the equation for photosynthesis must obey the law of conservation of mass. Which of the following is the correct and balanced equation for photosynthesis?

A. CO2 + H2O C6H12O6 + O2 B. 6CO2 + H2O C6H12O6 + O2 C. CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 D. 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2

What do we know?

Exit Slip

2. Which of these statements correctly describes the process of photosynthesis?A. Photosynthesis is an

exothermic process because it releases energy.

B. Photosynthesis is an endothermic process because it releases energy.

C. Photosynthesis is an endothermic process because it requires the absorption of energy.

D. Photosynthesis is an exothermic process because it requires

the absorption of energy.

What do we know?

Exit Slip

3. Which of these best describes the conversion of sunlight into the energy in glucose?A. Chemical energy is converted to kinetic energy.B. Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy.C. Electromagnetic energy is converted to chemical energy.D. Potential energy is converted to electromagnetic energy.

What do we know?

What do we know?

ALOE VERA COLEUS POTHOS SPIDER PLANT

AMOUNT OF CO2

ABSORBED

180 mL 168 mL 164 mL 175 mL

AMOUNT OF O2

RELEASED

150 mL 150 mL 150 mL 150 mL

Scientists are measuring the rate at which carbon dioxide (CO2) and water are converted to glucose and oxygen (O2) per hour in various types of houseplants with the same biomass. The houseplants are all exposed to the same amount of sunlight and to the same conditions. The data they collect is given in the table.

Exit Slip

What do we know?

4. What is the most likely reason that the plants absorb different amounts of CO2?

A. The plants are different heights.

B. The plants have different masses.

C. The plants have different size leaves.

D. The plants are different shades of green.

Exit Slip

ALOE VERA COLEUS POTHOS SPIDER PLANT

AMOUNT OF CO2

ABSORBED

180 mL 168 mL 164 mL 175 mL

AMOUNT OF O2

RELEASED

150 mL 150 mL 150 mL 150 mL

What do we know?

5.In which process do these plants absorb CO2, water, and sunlight to produce glucose and O2?

A. mitosisB. photosynthesisC. replicationD. respiration

Exit Slip

ALOE VERA COLEUS POTHOS SPIDER PLANT

AMOUNT OF CO2

ABSORBED

180 mL 168 mL 164 mL 175 mL

AMOUNT OF O2

RELEASED

150 mL 150 mL 150 mL 150 mL

Online Resources

New Path Learning - http://www.newpathlearning.com/store/by-category/white-board/multimedia-lessons/photosynthesis-respiration-multimedia-lesson-6468.html

Elodea Oxygen Bubble Lab - http://www.saddleworth.oldham.sch.uk/science/simulations/waterweed.htm

Biology Corner - http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/waterweed_sim.html

Photosynthesis Virtual Lab - http://www.syngenta.com/country/uk/en/learning-zone/science-lab/experiments/Pages/Photosynthesis_in_Action.aspx