B4- Photosynthesis

The balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO2 + 6H20 > C6H12O6 + 6O2

The rate of photosynthesis can be increased by the plant having:

• More CO2
• More light
• A higher temperature

Photo will only take place during the day as that is when light is available

However plants respire at all times, during thier respiration they take in oxygen and give out CO2

During photo the plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, the opposite to respiration in plants

The adaptation leaves have for photosynthesis are:

• They are Broad so they have a larger surface area in order to take in as much light as possible
• They are thin so that gasesous exchagne can happen easier and get to all the cells
• They contain cholorophyll and other pigments so that they can use light form a broader range of the light spectrum
• They have a network of vascular bundles for support and transport
• They have speacialised guard cells that open and close on order to regulate the flow of carbon dioxide and oxygen, as well as water loss. They are called stomata

By the leaf having many pigments it can maximise the energy it recives from the sun. Each pigment absorbs the light at differnt wavelenghts in orer to maximise the energy