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Photosynthesis
How do plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?
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During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) in the following way:
1. Carbon dioxide enters the plant through its stomata (small pores on the leaves) and diffuses into the plant’s cells.
2. Inside the plant cells, the carbon dioxide is absorbed by chloroplasts, the organelles that contain chlorophyll.
3. Within the chloroplasts, the carbon dioxide undergoes a series of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes. These reactions use the energy from sunlight to convert the carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a simple sugar) and oxygen.
4. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
This shows that carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of sunlight energy, are converted into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).
5. The glucose produced during photosynthesis is then used by the plant as an energy source for growth, development, and other metabolic processes. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.
So in summary, plants use carbon dioxide as a raw material, along with water and sunlight energy, to produce glucose and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This process is essential for plant growth and is also a key part of the carbon cycle on Earth.