Photosynthesis science
Written by: Drew Peltier
Illustrated by: Sabine Deviche

show/hide words to know

Carboxylase: a type of protein that is good at attaching to a specific molecule arrangement: a carbon atom connected to two oxygen atoms, one of which is connected to a hydrogen atom.

Chlorophyll: the pigment that gives plants their green color and allows them to absorb sunlight... more

Chloroplast: a part of a cell found in plants that converts light energy into energy plants can use (sugar). Other living organisms such as algae also have cells that contain chloroplasts.

Enzyme: a protein that changes the speed of chemical reactions.

Evaporate: the act of a non-boiling liquid becoming a gas.

Photosynthesis: a set of chain reactions that convert light energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis also produces energy-rich carbohydrates like starch. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast of a plant cell... more

RuBisCo: a protein important for plants to be able to pull carbon dioxide out of the air and convert it into sugar.

Stomata: tiny openings in the leaves of plants.

Thylakoid: the disk-shaped parts of a plant cell where light-dependent reactions occur... more

Flashcard facts and information about photosynthesis

Biology Bits stories are a great way for you to learn about biology a little bit at a time. We’ve broken down information into pieces that are very tiny—bite-sized biology cards. Cutting out the cards will let you organize them however you want, or use them as flashcards while you read.

This set of bits will teach you about the process plants use to make their own food: photosynthesis. To learn more about the science behind photosynthesis, visit Snacking on Sunlight

Play the slide show from the beginning or pick a slide to begin with by clicking on a slide below.

An illustration of a plant growing.An illustration of a plant cell that points out a chloroplastAn illustration of the inside of a chloroplast.An illustration of an ATP moleculeAn illustration of a glucose molecule.An illustration of the basics of the Calvin Cycle.Microscopic image of plant tissue showing chloroplasts.Close-up illustration of plant tissue, showing stomata and different cell types.Colorized microscopic image showing plant stomata.A picture of grasses, which use C4 photosynthesis.A picture of a saguaro cactus, which uses CAM photosynthesisA microscopic picture of green algae.A cartoon talking head

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You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Snacking on Sunlight Bits
  • Author(s): Drew Peltier
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: February 26, 2015
  • Date accessed: January 9, 2025
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/snacking-sunlight-bits

APA Style

Drew Peltier. (2015, February 26). Snacking on Sunlight Bits. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved January 9, 2025 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/snacking-sunlight-bits

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Drew Peltier. "Snacking on Sunlight Bits". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 26 February, 2015. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/snacking-sunlight-bits

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Drew Peltier. "Snacking on Sunlight Bits". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 26 Feb 2015. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 9 Jan 2025. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/snacking-sunlight-bits

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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