Photosynthesis Made Simple!
- How do plants grow without eating?
- Why are rainforests called the “lungs of the Earth”?
- How does the Sun’s energy get into our food?
The answer is PHOTOSYNTHESIS!
What is Photosynthesis?
It’s how plants make their own food using sunlight.
Plants need:
- Water → from the soil through their roots
- Carbon dioxide → from the air
- Light energy → from the Sun
Inside the leaves:
- Chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves) traps sunlight.
- Plants turn it into food and oxygen.
They produce:
- Glucose (sugar) → food for growth and energy
- Oxygen → released into the air (we breathe this!)
The Big Equation
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight (with chlorophyll) → Food (glucose) + Oxygen
Why is Photosynthesis Important?
- It provides energy for all living things
- Plants make food → animals eat plants → other animals eat animals
- Energy chain starts with the Sun!
- It provides us oxygen
- Without plants making oxygen, we cannot survive.
- It keeps air balanced in nature
- Plants take in carbon dioxide & release oxygen.
Plants vs Animals
- Plants: Make their own food by photosynthesis.
- Animals (including us): Must eat food for energy.
- Both plants and animals: Use respiration to release energy from food.
Key Takeaways
- Plants make food by photosynthesis.
- They need sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
- They produce glucose (food) and oxygen.
- Without photosynthesis, life on Earth cannot exist.
Click here to grab your FREE PSLE Photosynthesis Worksheet!
✔️ Multiple Choice
✔️ Fill in the Blanks
✔️ Match the Columns
✔️ Short Answers
⭐ BONUS: Higher-Order Thinking Question!
Perfect for mastering photosynthesis & feeling confident in Science!
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