PhotosynthesisGrade 3

The student will:

Learn what photosynthesis is and how it helps plants.

Learn what a plant needs for photosynthesis.

What is photosynthesis? Plants make their own food. This

process is called photosynthesis.

Where does photosynthesis occur? Photosynthesis occurs in the

leaves of a plant.

PlantsPlants

Autotrophs:Autotrophs: self-producers. Location:

1. Leavesa. stomab. mesophyll cells

StomaMesophyllCell

Chloroplast

Stomata (stoma)Stomata (stoma)

PoresPores in a plant’s cuticle through which waterwater and gasesgases are exchanged between the plant and the atmosphere.

Guard CellGuard CellCarbon Dioxide (CO2)

Oxygen (O2)

Mesophyll CellMesophyll Cell

Cell Wall

Nucleus

Chloroplast

Central Vacuole

ChloroplastChloroplast

OrganelleOrganelle where photosynthesisphotosynthesis takes place.

GranumThylakoidStroma

Outer MembraneInner Membrane

What is needed for photosynthesis to occur? Light is needed for photosynthesis to

occur. The plant’s leaves use the light to make a sugar called glucose.

Why do plants need glucose? Glucose is the food for the plant. It

gives the plant energy to grow.

How much glucose does a plant make? Plants make enough glucose to be used

during the night and on cloudy days when they don’t get sunlight. The extra glucose is stored in the plant’s leaves and other parts.

How does photosynthesis help us? During the process of photosynthesis,

oxygen is produced. We use this oxygen to breathe.