Four substances are involved in both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They are sugars, water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Describe what happens to these four substances during photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, and several steps are involved.
First, the plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air through small openings on the leaves called stomata. Water is also absorbed through the roots and transported up to the leaves.
Using the energy of sunlight, the plant splits the water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen ions. The oxygen is released into the air, while the hydrogen ions are used to create energy-rich molecules called ATP and NADPH.
Next, the carbon dioxide is combined with these energy-rich molecules to form glucose in a process called the Calvin cycle. This glucose can be used immediately by the plant for energy or stored for later use.
So, during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.