what are the raw materials required for photosynthesis and how are they procured
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The raw materials required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and sunlight. Additionally, chlorophyll is essential for capturing light energy, although it is not consumed in the process.
Detailed Explanation
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process that allows green plants, algae, and some bacteria to produce glucose, which serves as a source of energy. This process relies on three main raw materials: carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.
Carbon dioxide is obtained from the atmosphere. Tiny openings on the surfaces of leaves, called stomata, allow this gas to enter the plant. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is sufficient for most plants to carry out photosynthesis efficiently. Guard cells around the stomata regulate the opening and closing of these pores, thereby controlling the intake of carbon dioxide.
Water is absorbed from the soil through the plant’s root system. Root hairs increase the surface area for absorption, enabling the plant to draw in sufficient water. This water travels upward through the xylem vessels by a combination of capillary action, root pressure, and transpiration pull. Once it reaches the leaves, water participates in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where it is split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is used in forming glucose, while the oxygen is released as a by-product into the air.
Sunlight provides the energy necessary to drive the chemical reactions of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in chloroplasts, captures light energy, especially in the blue and red wavelengths. This energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Chlorophyll itself is not a raw material but plays a vital role as a catalyst in the light absorption process. Together, the proper coordination of these components enables photosynthetic organisms to convert solar energy into chemical energy, forming the basis of nearly all food chains on Earth.
