# Photosynthesis is the process by which plants produce glucose. Explain how the raw materials for photosynthesis are obtained by a plant and how they are used to produce glucose.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 3.1 Photosynthesis · Explain · 5 marks

> Plants are producers that carry out photosynthesis in order to make their own food. The overall word equation for photosynthesis is: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Carbon dioxide is absorbed / taken in through the stomata (in the leaves)
2. Water is absorbed from the soil by the roots (by osmosis)
3. Light energy is absorbed / captured by chlorophyll (in the chloroplasts)
4. Carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose (and oxygen) using light energy
5. Glucose can be used for respiration / stored as starch / used to make other biological molecules (e.g. cellulose, proteins)

## Key terms

- [photosynthesis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/photosynthesis)
- [glucose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucose)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/photosynthesis-is-the-process-by-which-a4d597f8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.