Interesting Facts About Photosynthesis
Each and every living thing on this planet needs the energy to survive and the food is the only source of energy. But have you seen a plant-eating food or cooking?
No, we have not. So we are left with one of the most interesting questions “How do plants get their energy ?”. Trees and plants make their food or produce energy in a different process, this process is called photosynthesis.
What is Photosynthesis?
The process by which plants make their food is known as photosynthesis. It is a chemical process by which plants produce energy by converting carbon dioxide into sugars or carbohydrates with the help of sunlight. It is a process where light energy gets converted into chemical energy. Most of the process of photosynthesis takes place in the plant’s mesophyll cells known as the chloroplast.
There are many interesting facts about the process of photosynthesis that students can enjoy learning. Some interesting facts about photosynthesis are discussed in the points mentioned below.
Importance in Ecosystem
The process of photosynthesis in plants plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It provides oxygen, carbon, and energy needed for many ecosystems to survive. Without the plants and trees, most of the ecosystem on the earth will perish.
Shape of Plants and Trees
We all know the shape of trees as triangular. But what is the reason behind this triangular shape of trees and plants? This is because these living things need more sunlight to carry out the process of photosynthesis. So the shape of plants and trees are in such a way that they get the maximum amount of sunlight.
Photosynthesis Location
Photosynthesis takes place in the plant’s mesophyll cells. This specialized cell organelle is known as the chloroplast. The main role of this cell chloroplast is to conduct the process of photosynthesis in plants.
Organic Molecules
The sugar molecules which are produced during the process of photosynthesis in plants are also the building blocks for other organic molecules in living organisms. This includes lipids, proteins, amino acids, etc.
Chlorophyll
The primary pigment of photosynthesis is known as chlorophyll. It is this pigment that energizes electrons using a specific wavelength of sunlight. There are also other pigments in plants which assist chlorophyll such as carotenoids and xanthophylls.
Food for Animals
To get energy, animals need plants or other animals. Trees and plants provide food energy to many animals. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants produce food which is not only used by them but also by various animals like birds, reptiles, herbivorous and omnivorous animals, etc.
Animal Photosynthesis
Recently scientists have discovered that a sea slug can produce its own food with the process of photosynthesis. Actually, the sea slugs feed on algae which they do not digest fully. These algae continue the process of photosynthesis inside the sea slug producing food for it.
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