![]() OK, there are decomposers, too, but that’s another story and they’re still dependent upon the energy captured by the producers. This is why ecologists categorize green plants as “producers” and most every other life form as a “consumer.” It’s about the energy. Trees and other green plants practice respiration, too, just like animals, but they also practice photosynthesis. Energy is released along with some carbon dioxide and water. The chemical reactions are the reverse of photosynthesis, using a glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules (12 atoms) as inputs. Respiration happens in regions of a cell called mitochondria. The released energy is then used for all sorts of metabolic activity, including the energy that you are using to read this article. Respiration occurs in the cells of nearly all living things. Interestingly, and not coincidentally, the process of respiration breaks apart the glucose molecule. Simple math shows 12 leftover oxygen atoms, or six oxygen molecules. Glucose uses six carbon, 12 hydrogen, and six oxygen molecules. Ever wonder why kids bounce off the walls and ceilings soon after a good dose of sugar?Ĭhemically speaking, the inputs to photosynthesis are six carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms and 18 oxygen atoms. Glucose is a fairly simple sugar, easy to break down. Energy is stored in the bonds of the glucose molecule. This happens in the presence of sunlight, of course. In essence, green plants take carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the molecules of carbon dioxide and water, and then recombine them into a new molecule called glucose. For a short time that energy is tied up in biological systems before it continues on its merry way into the dark of space. It’s a bit humbling to consider that the energy in our bodies travels 93 million miles in a little more than eight minutes, and that life has tapped into that energy stream. ![]() Photosynthesis happens in regions of a cell called chloroplasts. It’s not particularly efficient by human engineering standards, but it does the job. For the most part, the planet’s living systems are powered by this process. The primary function of photosynthesis is to convert solar energy into chemical energy and then store that chemical energy for future use. ![]() ![]() However, some folks have missed the purpose of photosynthesis. I’ve never heard anyone argue against it. Most people would agree that photosynthesis is a great thing. ![]()
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