Unit 1: Photosynthesis and the Carbon Cycle
1.1: Photosynthesis
• What is Photosynthesis?
• Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food. It happens
in the chloroplasts using a green pigment called chlorophyll to
absorb sunlight.
• Steps of Photosynthesis:
1. What Plants Need:
• Sunlight: Energy source.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Gas from the air.
• Water (H2O): Absorbed by roots.
2. What Happens in the Day:
• Sunlight hits the leaves.
• Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight.
• CO2 enters through stomata.
• Water moves through the stem to the leaves.
• Glucose (food) is produced, and Oxygen (O2) is released.
• At Night:
• No Photosynthesis: Stops without sunlight.
• Respiration: Plants take in oxygen (O2) and release
carbon dioxide (CO2).
Stomata are tiny holes on the surface of leaves. They act
like little doors for gases. Plants use stomata to take in
carbon dioxide (CO2), which helps them make food
through photosynthesis. At the same time, oxygen (O2) and
water vapor exit the plant through these openings.
Fun fact: Guard cells control the stomata! They open and
close to keep the plant from losing too much water. At night,
when there’s no sunlight, the stomata usually close to save
energy.
Without stomata, plants couldn’t breathe or make food, so
they’re super important!
Photosynthesis Equation:
water + carbon dioxide → glucose + oxygen
1.2: More About Photosynthesis
• Parts of a Leaf (Important for Photosynthesis):
1. Chlorophyll:
• Green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight.
2. Stomata:
• Tiny holes in leaves that allow CO2 to enter and O2 to exit.
3. Veins (Xylem & Phloem):
• Xylem: Carries water from roots to leaves.
• Phloem: Carries glucose from leaves to the rest of the
plant.
• Why Photosynthesis is Important:
• For Plants: Provides energy for growth and reproduction.
• For Us and Other Living Things: Produces oxygen for
breathing and removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
1.3: The Carbon Cycle
• What is the Carbon Cycle?
• The carbon cycle moves carbon between the air, land, water,
and living things, helping control CO2 levels in the atmosphere,
which is essential for life.
• Key Processes in the Carbon Cycle:
1. Photosynthesis: Plants use sunlight and CO2 to make food
and oxygen.
2 .Respiration: Animals and plants use energy and release CO2
into the air.
3. Decomposition: Dead plants and animals break down,
releasing carbon into the soil and air.
4. Feeding: Animals get carbon by eating plants or other
animals.
5. Combustion: Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases CO2
into the air.
•Why It Matters:
• Climate Regulation: It controls CO2 levels, helping balance
Earth’s temperature.
• Supports Life: Plants need carbon, and they are the base of all
food chains.
• Energy Flow: Carbon allows energy to move through
ecosystems.
1.4: Climate Change
• What is Climate Change?
• Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature,
precipitation, and weather patterns on Earth, mainly caused by
human activities like burning fossil fuels.
• Impact of Climate Change:
• Rising Sea Levels: Melting ice caps and glaciers cause oceans
to rise, threatening coastal areas.
• More Extreme Weather: Hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts
are becoming stronger due to climate change.
• Fossil Fuels and Climate Change:
• Fossil Fuels: The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas
releases CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to global
warming and climate change.
