Question: what is photosythasis

Angela Douglas answered on 3 Feb 2026:

Hi this is a really important question! In summary, plants take in air from the atmosphere, usually through special cells, usually on the undersides, of their leaves called stomata, use light to make energy and ‘breathe’ out oxygen which they convert mostly from the carbon dioxide part of the air they take in. Plants and forests especially are often called the world’s lungs! The clever part of photosynthesis is using chlorophyll (a green pigment) to absorb/trap light energy that powers converting carbon dioxide and water taken up through plant roots into glucose for the plants energy and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Oxygen is essential to us to breathe and for other living animals. When it sunnier more photosynthesis happens, when it’s dull less happens as there’s less light power available to plants. The same if the ground is too dry. Hope this helps!