Why Photosynthesis is Important
By Delaine Messier
Why do you need to know?
You need to know why photosynthesis is important for many reasons, but first you need to know that it's keeping you alive. In the next few paragraphs I will explain why Photosynthesis is important, what it is, and what it does. At the end I will tell you a few things you can do to help the survival of photosynthesis and the survival of humans and animals as well.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the transformation from radiant energy (the sun, which is where plants get their energy) to chemical energy. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts which are organelles of a plant cell. That is where the transformation from radiant to chemical energy occurs. In order for photosynthesis to take place and survive it takes in carbon dioxide, water and sunlight (radiant energy) which are the reactants. The transformation takes place in chloroplasts and when it is complete is produces Glucose and Oxygen, which are the producers, as shown in the picture below.
What does the survival of photosynthesis mean for the survival of humans and animals? Why is it important?
Plants are at the bottom of the food pyramid, the foundation of the food pyramid, because of the fact that they can make their own food, they don't need to relay on other living things for food. They are also on the bottom because they produce oxygen and support all animals and humans. So in that case, if we were to lose photosynthesis, we would lose plant and all living things on this planet. Without photosynthesis plants would die because they would not be able to make food for themselves, without plants there would be no oxygen for humans or animals to breathe therefore, all living things would die. That is why we have to keep plants alive!
What can I do?
There are many things you can do. But first you could start off by planting a tree. One tree could supply 2-4 people with oxygen. With deforestation going on, we need more trees! Our lives are depending on trees and plants believe it or not and if you don't contribute we could fall into a international crisis and our world could end. Just one tree could make all the difference.