• Photosynthesis Key Concepts

    SchoolCenter Picture

    • Chlorophyll is a chemical in chloroplasts that can absorb or trap light energy.

    • Photosynthesis is the necessary life process that transforms light energy into chemical energy. It involves a series of chemical reactions in which the light energy is used to change raw materials (carbon dioxide and water) into products (sugar and oxygen). The energy is stored in the chemical bonds of the glucose (sugar) molecules.

    • Energy is a basic need of all living things . Photosynthesizing organisms obtain their energy from the sun. Plants and other photosynthesizing organisms are often called producers because of their ability to produce glucose (sugar).

    • Photosynthesizing organisms are at the base of the energy pyramid.