How Plants Make Energy: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Plants go through two important processes called photosynthesis and cellular respiration. These processes work together to help plants grow and live.

Photosynthesis

• This happens in special parts of the plant called chloroplasts.
• Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide (which we breathe out), and water.
• The result of photosynthesis is sugar (called glucose) and oxygen (which we need to breathe).
• Here is the basic idea:
  Six carbon dioxide molecules plus six water molecules and sunlight turn into one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules.

Cellular Respiration

• This takes place in another part of the plant called mitochondria.
• Plants use the glucose they made and oxygen to create energy.
• The result is carbon dioxide, water, and energy called ATP (which stands for adenosine triphosphate).
• Here’s the simple equation:
  One glucose molecule plus six oxygen molecules turns into six carbon dioxide molecules, six water molecules, and ATP energy.

These two processes are like a cycle that helps plants use energy.

• Photosynthesis changes sunlight into energy stored as food.
• Cellular respiration takes that food and releases the energy so the plant can grow.

In short, photosynthesis gives plants the energy to live, while cellular respiration uses that energy so they can thrive!