What is the food that plants produce during photosynthesis. Plants are considered autotrophs because they can make their food from inorganic raw materials.
Plants in the presence of sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water produce oxygen and glucose as a portion of food. Glucose is a carbohydrate that is directly produced in the photosynthesis process.
What is the food that plants produce during photosynthesis
The process of photosynthesis occurs in the green parts of the plants that contain chlorophyll.
The chlorophyll traps the sunlight energy and utilizes it to convert carbon dioxide and water to a sugar called glucose. Glucose acts as food and provides energy to the plants.
Glucose is converted to cellulose and starch. These substances help plant growth.
The cellulose makes the cell wall rigid while the Starch gets stored in the seeds and other parts of the pants. The stored starch acts as a food source for humans and animals.
Let’s discuss the process.
Factors
- Light intensity and temperature
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Minerals
- Internal factors
Photosynthesis Process
Chemically, photosynthesis is termed as a light energized oxidation-reduction process.
- In the oxidation process, a molecule loses electrons.
- In reduction, the molecule gains electrons.
Trapping Of Sunlight
The process occurs when the chlorophyll traps sunlight energy and converts it into chemical energy.
Oxidation Reaction
In the presence of light water, the molecule is oxidized. This results in the formation of oxygen gas, hydrogen ions, and free electrons.
Reduction Reaction
The resultant hydrogen ions and electrons are gained by the carbon dioxide molecule.
The carbon dioxide molecule gets reduced to carbohydrates (glucose).
Formation of Carbohydrates
This glucose formed is the food that plants produce. The chemical energy is stored by the plants in the form of carbohydrates.
Reduction of Nitrates and Sulfates
The remaining hydrogen ions and electrons reduce nitrates to amino and sulfur to sulfhydryl groups in amino acids.
The amino acids act as the building blocks of all proteins.
Overall Reaction
The overall general reaction of photosynthesis is stated as;
CO2 + 2H2O → CH2O + O2 + H2O
Abbreviations
- CO2= carbon dioxide
- H2O= water molecule
- CH2O= carbohydrate
- O2= oxygen molecule
Prime Products of Photosynthesis Process
The most-important direct organic product of photosynthesis in plants includes carbohydrates (glucose).
6CO2 + 12H2O + (light) → C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
- The simple glucose formed is converted into large molecules of starch by the linkage process.
- Glucose molecules combine to form starch.
- Glucose links with a sugar called fructose to give rise to another carbohydrate called sucrose.
- All these are the sources of food and energy.
- The process of photosynthesis also produces amino acids, proteins, lipids, and pigments.
- The minerals in water provide nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. These elements help in the formation of amino acids, proteins, etc.
The prime minerals for healthy plant growth include
- Nitrogen
- Sulfur
- Iron
- Phosphorous
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Calcium
Trace Amounts
- Manganese
- Copper
- Chlorides
They are utilized in the formation of
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
- RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
- Amino Acids
- Proteins
- Enzymes
The formed products are then stored in different parts of the plant. Later that is used as a food in the form of starches, proteins, lipids, and many more.
Conclusion
Photosynthesis occurs in the green parts of the plants. The chlorophyll traps the sunlight energy and utilizes it to convert carbon dioxide and water to a sugar called glucose.
Glucose acts as food and provides energy to the plants. Glucose is converted to cellulose and starch. These substances help plant growth.
Glucose molecules link to form starch. (polysaccharide) Plants store starch in the seeds and other parts of the plants.
The stored starch acts as a food source for humans and animals. Some common plant starches include rice, potatoes, and wheat, etc.
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