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๐ฌ Think about it
We have now gathered all the clues — sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. Let us put them together and see the whole food-making process at one glance, with its simple word equation.
What happens during photosynthesis?
- Water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll are needed.
- Food is made as glucose, a simple carbohydrate.
- Glucose gives instant energy and is stored as starch.
- Oxygen is released in the process.
Example:
A paddy plant in a sunny field takes in carbon dioxide and water and stores its food as starch in the grains.
How Photosynthesis Works
Sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll
↓
Leaf makes food
The leaf prepares glucose, a simple carbohydrate.
↓
Food is stored
Glucose is changed into starch for storage.
↓
Oxygen is released into the air
What is the word equation of photosynthesis?
- Plants use carbon dioxide and water as raw materials.
- Sunlight and chlorophyll help drive the process.
- The products are glucose and oxygen.
| Raw materials | Helped by | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide + Water | Sunlight, Chlorophyll | Glucose + Oxygen |
๐ฌ Know a Scientist
- In India, Rustom Hormusji Dastur (1896–1961) studied photosynthesis.
- He headed the Botany Department at the Royal Institute of Science, Bombay.
- He studied how water and temperature affect photosynthesis.
- He also studied how the colour of light affects it.
Important Points
- Photosynthesis makes glucose and releases oxygen.
- Glucose is stored as starch for later use.
โ Test Yourself
-
What four things are needed for photosynthesis?
View Answer
Water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. -
In what form is food first made?
View Answer
As glucose, a simple carbohydrate. -
How is glucose stored?
View Answer
It is changed into starch for storage. -
What gas is released in photosynthesis?
View Answer
Oxygen. -
What did R. H. Dastur study?
View Answer
How water, temperature, and the colour of light affect photosynthesis.
Important Definitions
- Glucose — a simple carbohydrate made during photosynthesis that gives energy and is stored as starch.
๐ NCERT Question 3 — A potato slice shows
A potato slice shows the presence of starch with iodine solution. Where does the starch in potatoes come from?
View Answer →
