The plants produce their own food by a process called photosynthesis. true or false?

General
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the plants produce their own food by a process called photosynthesis. true or false?

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LectureNotes said the plants produce their own food by a process called photosynthesis. True or false?

Answer: True.

Plants indeed produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. This is a well-established scientific fact. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. The overall chemical reaction for photosynthesis can be summarized by the following equation:

6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Light Absorption:

  • Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant cells, absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths of the light spectrum. This pigment is located in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

2. Water Splitting (Photolysis):

  • The absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules (H_2O) into oxygen (O_2), protons (hydrogen ions, H^+), and electrons.

3. Oxygen Release:

  • The oxygen produced during the splitting of water is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This is the oxygen that we and other organisms breathe.

4. Formation of ATP and NADPH:

  • The light energy also helps convert ADP and NADP+ into ATP and NADPH, respectively. These molecules store energy and are used in the next stage of photosynthesis.

5. Carbon Fixation (Calvin Cycle):

  • In the Calvin Cycle, which occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts, the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide (CO_2) into glucose (C_6H_{12}O_6). This stage does not require light and is therefore called the light-independent reactions or dark reactions.

Summary:

  • Photosynthesis is crucial for the survival of plants and other photosynthetic organisms. It not only provides them with the necessary glucose for energy and growth but also produces oxygen, which is essential for most life forms on Earth.

Given this detailed explanation, it is clear that the statement made by LectureNotes is indeed true.