The Process

Chlorophyll is a green substance that traps the energy in the sunlight as the sunlight strikes the leaves. This chlorophyll is what gives leaves their green color. In green plants, chlorophyll is found in cell organelles called chloroplasts. The chloroplasts are food factories where sugars, glucose, are created.

Water (H₂O) moves from the roots, up through the stem, to the leaves. Since water is needed for the process of photosynthesis, this is an essential part of the process. The roots can also collect small amounts of carbon dioxide in the soil.

Stomata are tiny pores along a plant’s stem and leaves that allow for the movement of gases. Most of the carbon dioxide that plants take in, along with the oxygen that is released, flows through the stomata.