How does a plant
build itself?
Plants use photosynthesis to capture energy from sunlight and use carbon dioxide and water to build sugars. Those sugars help provide both energy and the carbon needed to build new plant tissue.
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to capture energy from sunlight and use it to build sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
In plants, photosynthesis takes place mainly inside chloroplasts. These structures contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs particles of light called photons.
That light energy excites electrons and begins a series of reactions that capture the Sun's energy in a form the plant can use. Water is split during the process, releasing oxygen back into the air.
The captured energy is then used to take carbon from carbon dioxide and build sugars. Those sugars can be broken down for energy, while their carbon can also become part of new cells, leaves, stems, roots, cellulose, and other plant material.
How does photosynthesis work?
Light is absorbed
Chlorophyll inside chloroplasts absorbs photons from sunlight. The energy excites electrons and begins the reactions of photosynthesis.
Water is split
Water participates in the light-dependent reactions. Splitting water releases oxygen, which leaves the plant and enters the atmosphere.
Carbon enters from the air
Carbon dioxide supplies carbon atoms. Plants use captured chemical energy to incorporate that carbon into organic molecules.
Sugars help build the plant
Plants can use sugars for energy, but their carbon can also become part of new cells, stems, roots, leaves, and other plant structures.
Photosynthesis at a glance
What does photosynthesis need?
Plants use light energy, water, and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Where does photosynthesis happen?
In plants, photosynthesis occurs mainly inside chloroplasts. Chlorophyll within them absorbs light.
Why do plants release oxygen?
During the light reactions of photosynthesis, water is split. Oxygen is produced during this process and released.
What does photosynthesis produce?
Photosynthesis captures energy that plants use to build sugars from carbon dioxide. Those sugars can provide energy and carbon for growth.
Where does a plant actually get its mass?
The video gives you the central idea. Our full photosynthesis explainer goes deeper into the history and science behind it, including van Helmont's willow experiment, carbon dioxide, photosynthetic oxygen, plant dry mass, mineral nutrients, and how atmospheric carbon eventually becomes leaves, roots, stems, wood, and food.
One discovery leads to another.
Explore more visual explanations from A Wandering Mind.