• Green plants and algae create their own energy through photosynthesis.
• The equation for photosynthesis is:

light energy

carbon dioxide + water ? glucose + oxygen

• The rate of photosynthesis is affected by light intensity, carbon dioxide levels and temperature.
• The light intensity and carbon dioxides should be high and the temperature neither too hot nor too cold.
• Farmers use greenhouses to make sure that each of these factors is at the optimum for photosynthesis.
• The end product of photosynthesis is glucose.
• Glucose is either stored in the plant or used for respiration or for other functions.

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TEST IT!

1. Photosynthesis is the process used by plants to make food.

a) Complete the equation:

_______________ + chlorophyll (+ __________ energy) ? _______________ + oxygen

b) A group of students are told to look into how temperature affects the speed at which photosynthesis takes place. They use hot water and ice to change the temperature and count the number of bubbles given off per minute

i. The plant is placed in a test tube which is then put into a beaker of water called a water bath, along with the thermometer. What is the purpose of the water bath?

ii. The students record their results as a graph. They notice that the most bubbles are being given off between 23