Chapter 5 · Question 8
Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
Q8
Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
Answer Revealed
Direct Answer:
Plants get CO2 from the atmosphere through stomata, water from the soil through roots, and sunlight is available freely from the sun; chlorophyll is already present in leaves.
Simple Explanation
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny pores in their leaves. They absorb water from the soil through their roots. Sunlight comes from the sun, and chlorophyll is already inside the leaves.
Exam-Ready Structure
The raw materials required for photosynthesis and their sources are: 1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) — Taken from the atmosphere through stomata, the tiny pores present on the leaf surface. 2. Water (H2O) — Absorbed from the soil by the roots and transported to the leaves through xylem vessels. 3. Sunlight — Absorbed by chlorophyll, the green pigment present in the chloroplasts of leaf cells. 4. Chlorophyll — Synthesised by the plant itself and located in the chloroplasts within the mesophyll cells of leaves.
Key Points
- CO2 from atmosphere through stomata
- Water from soil through roots and xylem
- Sunlight absorbed by chlorophyll in leaves
- Chlorophyll is present in chloroplasts
Common Mistakes
- Saying water comes from rain directly on leaves
- Forgetting that chlorophyll is already inside the plant
Relevant Maps and Figures
Open and Closed Stomatal Pore
diagram
Use the stomatal pore diagram to explain where carbon dioxide enters and how guard cells control the opening.
This visual is most useful for linking raw materials with regulated gaseous exchange.
Use the guard-cell diagram to explain how plants regulate gaseous exchange and water loss during photosynthesis and transpiration.
Answer Sources
- Raw materials for photosynthesistextbook section | Science | Life Processes | Stomata and photosynthesis inputs | Pages 5