How Plants Make Their Own Food

Introduction
Plants are living organisms that can make their own food. This special ability is called photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not exist, because plants form the base of most food chains and also produce the oxygen we breathe.

What Is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food (glucose). This food gives plants energy to grow, repair themselves, and reproduce.

Where Does Photosynthesis Happen?
Photosynthesis takes place mainly in the leaves of plants. Inside the leaf are tiny structures called chloroplasts, which contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and provides the energy needed for photosynthesis.

What Are the Raw Materials?
Plants need three main things:

• Sunlight – provides energy
• Water – absorbed from the soil through roots
• Carbon dioxide – taken in from the air through tiny pores in leaves called stomata

Why Is Photosynthesis Important?

• It produces food for plants (and indirectly for animals and humans).
• It releases oxygen, which most living things need to breathe.
• It helps maintain balance in the environment.

Summary
Photosynthesis is one of the most important biological processes on Earth. It supports nearly all life by providing food and oxygen.