Did you know plants make their food? Wondering how?
To introduce the process of photosynthesis for kids, you should make them understand its meaning and benefits. Photosynthesis is a term formed by ‘photo’ and ‘synthesis.’ ‘Photo’ means light, while ‘synthesis’ means producing something. It is the process by which plants make their food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen in the presence of sunlight. This oxygen goes into the atmosphere and gives life to other living organisms. The process of photosynthesis makes plants an important part of the ecosystem, without which life on earth is impossible. Read on to explain the process of photosynthesis and related facts for children.
Process Of Photosynthesis
For photosynthesis, plants need three elements: Once a plant gets these three materials, it starts collecting them.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed through small pores or holes called stomata in the leaves.
Water is absorbed by the roots and is passed through the stem on the way to the leaves.
Sunlight is absorbed by a green chemical called chlorophyll, which is present in the leaves.
The process of photosynthesis takes place in the leaves, which are made of tiny cells. Each cell contains a structure called the chloroplast that has chlorophyll. It is the chemical that gives green color to the leaves. After absorbing these three elements, leaves use the sunlight’s energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide combine to form glucose, which is a form of sugar, and oxygen is released into the atmosphere. There are two phases in photosynthesis—
1. Light-dependent reactions
As the name suggests, these reactions can occur only when light is available to the plant. It helps to convert light energy into chemical energy. Chloroplasts capture sunlight and convert it into two forms of energy storage — ATP and NADPH — used to create sugar in the second phase.
2. The Calvin cycle
The phase is named after the scientist Melvin C. Calvin, who discovered this process. In this cycle, reactions can occur even at night. The plant doesn’t require sunlight for this part of the process. This cycle requires ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions for preparing glucose.
30 Photosynthesis Facts For Kids
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Apart from this, some plants can grow in extremely low-light conditions because they have special adaptations, such as broad and thin leaves that capture more sunlight (2).
