Introduction
Plants are vital for the survival of all living organisms on earth as they produce their food through a process called photosynthesis. In this process, plants use carbon dioxide and water from the environment to prepare their food. This article will discuss what plants make with carbon dioxide and water.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in chloroplasts, specialized organelles in plant cells. These organelles contain the pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy from the sun. The energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a form of sugar that plants use for energy and growth.
Glucose Production
Glucose is the main product of photosynthesis. In addition to being used for energy, plants use glucose to build more complex carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose. Starch is used as a long-term storage form of glucose in certain plant organs such as roots, tubers, and seeds. On the other hand, cellulose is used by plants to make cell walls, providing strength and support to the plant.
Oxygen Production
In addition to producing glucose, plants also produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere and is vital for the survival of animals that depend on breathing oxygen to survive. It is estimated that plants provide about 70% of the oxygen in the earth's atmosphere.
Other Products of Photosynthesis
In addition to glucose and oxygen, plants also produce other essential organic compounds through photosynthesis. These compounds include amino acids, lipids, and some vitamins. Essentially, through photosynthesis, plants are able to produce the building blocks needed to support their entire life processes.
Conclusion
In summary, plants make glucose, which serves as a source of energy and building material for plant growth. They also produce oxygen, which is essential for the survival of animals. Additionally, plants produce other organic compounds needed for their growth and survival. Thus, photosynthesis is a crucial process for the existence of all living organisms on earth.