Discuss the substances needed to carry out the food making process (photosynthesis) by plants and the products of such process.

To carry out the process of photosynthesis, plants require several substances. These include:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny openings called stomata present on the leaves.

2. Water (H2O): Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots. Water is then transported to the leaves through the stem.

3. Sunlight: Sunlight is a crucial component for photosynthesis as it provides the energy needed to fuel the process. Sunlight is absorbed by a pigment called chlorophyll present in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

In addition to these substances, plants also need certain factors for the process of photosynthesis to occur:

4. Chlorophyll: This green pigment found in chloroplasts captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy.

5. Enzymes: Various enzymes are required to catalyze the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis.

The products of photosynthesis are:

1. Glucose (C6H12O6): This is the primary product of photosynthesis. It is a sugar molecule that acts as a source of energy for plants.

2. Oxygen (O2): As a byproduct of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen back into the atmosphere. This oxygen is then used by animals and other organisms for respiration.

Overall, the process of photosynthesis is essential for plants as it enables them to produce their own food, store energy, and release oxygen, thus supporting life on Earth.