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Year 10
AQA
Higher

Photosynthesis: an endothermic process that takes place in chloroplasts

I can describe photosynthesis as an endothermic chemical process, the role of light, and how leaves are adapted for photosynthesis.

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New
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Year 10
AQA
Higher

Photosynthesis: an endothermic process that takes place in chloroplasts

I can describe photosynthesis as an endothermic chemical process, the role of light, and how leaves are adapted for photosynthesis.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Word and balanced symbol equations to summarise the chemical reactants and products of photosynthesis.
  2. Photosynthesis is an endothermic chemical process that requires energy from a light source such as the Sun.
  3. Light is not a chemical reactant, but transfers energy to chlorophyll to enable photosynthesis to take place.
  4. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts in cells in green parts of plants, which contain chlorophyll to absorb light.
  5. Chloroplasts and stomata are adaptations of leaves for photosynthesis and gas exchange.

Keywords

  • Endothermic - a chemical process that requires energy transferred from its surroundings

  • Adaptation - a feature that helps an organism to function and survive

  • Chloroplast - subcellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place

  • Chlorophyll - green pigment in chloroplasts, to which energy is transferred by light

  • Stomata - pores (holes) in the surface of a leaf, through which water, oxygen and carbon dioxide can diffuse

Common misconception

It is a common misconception to think that light (or energy) is a substance and a chemical reactant in photosynthesis that is converted into glucose.

The role of light in transferring energy to chlorophyll for photosynthesis is explored.


To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Photosynthesis: an endothermic process that takes place in chloroplasts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Using molecular models or coloured balls could help pupils to practice balancing the photosynthesis equation. Similarly, allowing pupils to examine leaves with a magnifying glass and holding them up to the light to see it passing through can increase engagement.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these organisms is a producer?
human
bee
Correct answer: fern
lamb
Q2.
What is the correct word summary for photosynthesis?
glucose + oxygen --> water + carbon dioxide
glucose + carbon dioxide --> water + oxygen
Correct answer: water + carbon dioxide --> glucose + oxygen
water + oxygen --> glucose + carbon dioxide
Q3.
True or false? Producers use all the glucose made during photosynthesis as a fuel for cellular respiration.
true
Correct answer: false
Q4.
Producers use some of the glucose made by photosynthesis as a source of materials to build biomass. Match each type of biomass to the correct example.
Correct Answer:carbohydrate,starch, for storage
tick

starch, for storage

Correct Answer:lipid,fat, for storage
tick

fat, for storage

Correct Answer:protein,enzymes, to speed up chemical reactions
tick

enzymes, to speed up chemical reactions

Q5.
The glucose made by photosynthesis is made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. This is combined with from mineral ions to make proteins.
Correct Answer: nitrogen
Q6.
Who is correct?
Aisha: Consumers can survive without producers.
Alex: Consumers get carbon from the air.
Lucas: The only reason producers make biomass is to feed consumers.
Correct answer: Sam: Producers are the source of biomass for food chains.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The subcellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place is called a __________.
carbohydrate
Correct answer: chloroplast
chlorophyll
chromosome
Q2.
Light transfers the energy required for photosynthesis to a green pigment called __________.
carbohydrate
Correct answer: chlorophyll
DNA
haemoglobin
Q3.
The process of photosynthesis is described as __________ because it requires energy transferred from its surroundings.
balanced
Correct answer: endothermic
exothermic
reversible
Q4.
Complete the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis by adding one molecule of glucose.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: C6H12O6, C₆H₁₂O₆, 1C₆H₁₂O₆, 1C6H12O6, C6 H12 O6
Q5.
Leaves have many pores (holes) in their surface called , through which water, oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: stomata
Q6.
What is the function of stomata?
An image in a quiz
to take in oxygen for photosynthesis
to take in water for photosynthesis
Correct answer: to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
to release waste carbon dioxide made by photosynthesis
Correct answer: to release waste oxygen made by photosynthesis