Photosynthesis
Overview
Almost all the food on Earth, and the oxygen you are breathing right now, can be traced back to one process happening in green leaves: photosynthesis. Plants capture the energy of sunlight and lock it into sugar, building food out of nothing more than carbon dioxide and water.
In this lesson you will learn exactly what photosynthesis is, the word equation you must know by heart, the role of chlorophyll, and, at Extended level, the balanced symbol equation. By the end you will be able to explain how plants make their own food and why that matters for every living thing.
Objectives
- Describe photosynthesis as the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light
- State the word equation for photosynthesis as: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen in the presence of light and chlorophyll
- State that chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found in chloroplasts
- State that chlorophyll transfers energy from light into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of carbohydrates
- [Supplement] State the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis as: 6CO + 6H O → C H O + 6O 2 2 6 12 6 2
Audio Lesson
Listen to this lesson in the app
Mind map
This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.
Open the mind map in the app
Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
Practise these cards in the app
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Photosynthesis. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- The raw materials for photosynthesis are: A. glucose and oxygen B. carbon dioxide and water C. oxygen and water D. glucose and carbon dioxide Answer: B
- In the word equation for photosynthesis, the products are: A. carbon dioxide + water B. glucose + oxygen C. starch + carbon dioxide D. oxygen + water Answer: B
- Chlorophyll is found in the: A. nucleus B. mitochondria C. chloroplasts D. ribosomes Answer: C
- The role of chlorophyll is to: A. produce carbon dioxide B. absorb light energy and transfer it to chemical energy C. store glucose D. release water Answer: B
- The balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis is: A. CO2 + H2O -> C6H12O6 + O2 B. 6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2 C. 6CO2 + H2O -> C6H12O6 + O2 D. CO2 + 6H2O -> 6C6H12O6 + O2 Answer: B
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Photosynthesis? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
