Word and balanced symbol equations to summarise the chemical reactants and products of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is an endothermic chemical process that requires energy from a light source such as the Sun.
Light is not a chemical reactant, but transfers energy to chlorophyll to enable photosynthesis to take place.
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts in cells in green parts of plants, which contain chlorophyll to absorb light.
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.

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.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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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

starch, for storage

Correct Answer:lipid,fat, for storage

fat, for storage

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

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.

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.

Correct Answer: stomata

Q6.

What is the function of stomata?

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