3.42 Photosynthesis Reactions
Photosynthetic Organisms
The organisms pictured in theFigures3.80, 3.81, and 3.82 all use sunlight to make glucose in the process of
photosynthesis. In addition to plants, they include bacteria and algae. All of these organisms contain the green
pigment chlorophyll, which is needed to capture light energy.
FIGURE 3.80
A tremendous amount of photosynthesis
takes place in the plants of this lush tropi-
cal rainforest.FIGURE 3.81
The green streaks on this very blue
lake are photosynthetic bacteria called
cyanobacteria.Summary
- Photosynthesis is the process in which certain living things use energy in sunlight to synthesize glucose from
carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is also produced in this process. - Chemical energy that is stored in the bonds of glucose molecules is used by the cells of almost all living things
for energy. - Living things that undergo photosynthesis and produce glucose include plants, cyanobacteria, and algae.