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Course: Middle school biology - NGSS > Unit 3
Lesson 1: Photosynthesis in organismsPhotosynthesis in organisms
Review your understanding of photosynthesis in organisms with this free article aligned to NGSS standards.
Key points:
- Many organisms make their own food through photosynthesis. Plants, algae, and some unicellular organisms do photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis is powered by energy from sunlight. This energy is used to rearrange atoms in carbon dioxide and water to make oxygen and sugars.
- Carbon dioxide and water are inputs of photosynthesis. These inputs come from the environment.
- Oxygen and sugars are outputs of photosynthesis.
- The oxygen is released into the environment.
- The sugars can provide chemical energy. This energy can be used by the organism to live and grow. The sugars can also be used to build the organism’s structures, or they can be stored for later use.
- Photosynthesis is usually carried out in chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are cell structures that contain molecules called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps capture light energy.
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- How do plants you buy at the store, stay alive in just water, and no dirt? Also, why are some plants supposed to get direct sun? Thanks!(47 votes)
- the plants are already being put in mineral water. It isn't the dirt that helps the plant it is the minerals that help it grow.(57 votes)
- what is chlorophyll(7 votes)
- Chlorophyll is a naturally-produced chemical that helps in the photosynthesis process by, in fact, absorbing the photons (sunlight) used to rearrange atoms, as said in the second point. It also is actually a pigment, giving plants their green color!(49 votes)
- How the plants survive when they are in shops(18 votes)
- These plants get the light they need either through a window or from a lamp that mimics the kind of light coming from the sun.(18 votes)
- what else can plants live in instead of soil(13 votes)
- I have an air plant it is a specific kind of tropical plant that lives off of air moisture and a bit of water I give it. It has no roots, although it can develop feelers that allow it to latch onto branches.(11 votes)
- How long can a plant survive without water?(11 votes)
- Depends on the plant. For example, some cacti can go two years, but some flowers can't go a week without it.(14 votes)
- This says, "Photosynthesis is USUALLY carried out in chloroplasts." What are some examples of it being carried out in something else?(15 votes)
- Does a plant need soil to live?(10 votes)
- Plants don't require soil to live if you have access to water with the correct nutrients for plants in it. That's why lotuses live in mud/muddy water, it's because mud is full of nutrients that the lotus needs, so the lotus will do better in the muddy water as opposed to just water (without minerals, obviously)! Some plants need soil, however. They may be able to survive a period of time in water with their food, but succulents and cacti need to be transferred to soil after water propagation. Maybe you would find it interesting to research more into this? Anyways, hope this answers your question. Ask more if you need to, there's always somebody on Khan Academy that can help!(11 votes)
- how do plants stay alive(9 votes)
- The sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide make sugars which the plant consumes to stay alive.(12 votes)
- Do humans use the sugars in plants to turn into sugar for candy skittles?(9 votes)
- no most sugar's are made in labs.(8 votes)
- can plants live with a light bulb right next to them.(9 votes)
- Yes, you can use most regular light bulbs to help grow your indoor plants(5 votes)