what is called when plants use enrgy from the sun?
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_photosynthesis.html
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use energy from the sun is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a vital process for plants as it allows them to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose and other sugars. To understand the concept, you can break it down into two parts: photo- and -synthesis.
1. Photo-: This refers to light. Plants capture light energy using a pigment called chlorophyll, which is present in their leaves and other green parts.
2. -Synthesis: This refers to the creation or production of something. During photosynthesis, plants use the captured light energy to synthesize glucose and other organic molecules.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process of photosynthesis:
1. Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, primarily found in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
2. The absorbed light energy excites electrons in chlorophyll, causing them to enter a higher energy state.
3. These high-energy electrons then undergo a series of reactions called the light-dependent reactions, taking place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. During these reactions, light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy-carrying molecules.
4. The energy-rich ATP and NADPH produced in the previous step are then used in the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. This cycle takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere enters the leaf through tiny openings called stomata, and with the help of the energy from ATP and NADPH, it is converted into glucose and other organic compounds.
In summary, plants use the energy from the sun through a complex process called photosynthesis, which involves converting light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose and sustain their growth and metabolism.