We all know that plants don’t eat. Instead, plants make their own food, glucose, by converting sunlight energy to chemical energy through photosynthesis. Plant cells are equipped with specialized organelles, called chloroplasts, that are used in photosynthesis. What do plants need? Plants will not grow without water and sunlight. That’s because they need sunlight energy, sunlight, and carbon dioxide (from the atmosphere) to make glucose. When they produce glucose, oxygen is released as a byproduct and then used by living organisms for cellular respiration. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two of the main processes that cycle carbon through the biosphere.
1. What do plants need for photosynthesis?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Water
C. Sunlight
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Plants need carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to perform photosynthesis. During this process, they use sunlight energy to convert carbon dioxide (from the air) and water (from the soil) into glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen. This combination is essential for the formation of glucose, which serves as food for the plant while oxygen is released as a byproduct.