# Photosynthesis

The process where plants use light energy to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen.

Biology (school) · Part 02: Moving materials, enzymes and energy · Card 6 of 11 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A kitchen that turns sunlight, air and water into sugar.

## Example

**Word equation**

carbon dioxide + water
(light energy, chlorophyll)
-> glucose + oxygen

## In practice

Leaves make the sugar that the plant uses to grow and to store as starch.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Write the word equation for photosynthesis.** Carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen, using light energy.
- **Name three limiting factors of photosynthesis.** Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature.

## Questions people ask

### Where does photosynthesis take place?

It takes place in chloroplasts, which are most plentiful in the palisade cells near the top of a leaf. These cells are packed with chloroplasts and sit where they catch the most light. The chlorophyll inside absorbs light energy so the plant can build glucose.

### What does a plant do with the glucose it makes?

The plant uses glucose for respiration to release energy. It also converts glucose into starch for storage, cellulose for cell walls, fats and oils for seeds, and proteins using nitrates taken from the soil. Sugars can be moved around the plant to where they are needed.

## Related concepts

- [Limiting factor](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-7)
- [Aerobic respiration](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-8)
- [Anaerobic respiration](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-9)

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