AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose.

Detailed explanation-2: -But then, what do plants eat? Actually, plants “eat” sunlight and a gas called carbon dioxide, both of which are easily available right here on earth. The process by which land plants produce their own food using sunlight and carbon dioxide is known as photosynthesis (Figure 1).

Detailed explanation-3: -Plants need three main ingredients to make their food: water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. Plants take up the water that they need from the soil through their roots. Carbon dioxide is a gas found in the air; plants can take in this gas through tiny holes in their leaves.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plants use the carbon dioxide from air for making food by the process of photosynthesis.

Detailed explanation-5: -Plants take in – or ‘fix’ – carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Some of the carbon is used for plant growth, and some of it is used in respiration, where the plant breaks down sugars to get energy.