The photosynthetic reactionSpec 4.4.1.1
Plants make their own food by photosynthesis. In plants it happens in the chloroplasts, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
Photosynthesis is represented by the equation:
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (in the presence of light)
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in the presence of light)
| Substance | Symbol |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | CO₂ |
| Water | H₂O |
| Glucose | C₆H₁₂O₆ |
| Oxygen | O₂ |
Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction. Energy is transferred from the environment to the chloroplasts by light. This is why the reaction needs a constant supply of light to keep going.
In an endothermic reaction, energy is taken in from the surroundings. The energy ends up stored in the glucose that is made.
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