Fabulous Photosynthesis
- Sara Thompson
- May 2
- 3 min read
By Sara Thompson
Image credit Govindaraj Mahalakshmi, Wikimedia Commons
Special to The Enterprise
Earth Day is always April 22 in the United States and celebrates the natural world around us and how to keep it healthy. One of the most spectacular natural processes that makes our planet livable is photosynthesis. This process is done by most plants, algae, and several cyanobacteria, and the most important result of this reaction is oxygen.
Photosynthesis would not work without a substance called chlorophyll. It absorbs energy from sunlight, specifically the red and blue light waves, and reflects the green light waves giving plants their green color. The energy captured from the sunlight allows the chemical reaction of photosynthesis to take place. Along with sunlight, plants also absorb carbon dioxide and water from the air and soil. The collected light energy fuels the process of plant creating their own food. The chemicals mix, trade electrons, and the result is glucose for the plant to use for growth, and oxygen that it releases back into the environment.
Oxygen production is an amazing byproduct of photosynthesis, but the benefits do not stop there. It is also an essential part of the energy cycle. While the plants absorb and store solar energy, when those plants are eaten by herbivores, that energy is transferred to that animal. Additionally, if eaten by a carnivore, energy is again transferred to another form. When plants and animals die, they decompose with the help of bacteria and fungi, which releases carbon dioxide back into the air and soil to be reused by plants in photosynthesis. Without plants first absorbing light energy, the energy cycle would slow or stop, rendering this planet almost lifeless.
The word photosynthesis comes from the joining of two Greek words. ‘Photo’ which means ‘light’ and ‘synthesis’ meaning ‘combining together’. So, photosynthesis is light combining together with carbon dioxide and water to create glucose for the plant and oxygen for the rest of us. And the materials used are all part of the same energy cycle that combine all living things together on this planet that we must continue to respect and keep healthy so we can all live and thrive together. For Earth Day this year, remember how important plant life is, their place in the energy cycle, and how fabulous photosynthesis is for creating oxygen for the rest of life on Earth.
Upcoming Events at Explorit:
• Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.
• Summer science camps available now! Members $210/Non-Members $240 ($84/$96 for “Storytime Science”). Find more information at https://www.explorit.org/camps. We hope to see you this summer!
• Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate. Early giving for Big Day of Giving now available!
• An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.
• Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals, Dynamic Dinosaurs, and Blast Off! Space. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.
That sounds like a productive first meeting! It's great to see new faces and perspectives on the board. I can only imagine how much needs to be done. When I get overwhelmed at work, I sometimes take a quick break to play the Dinosaur Game in Chrome, just to clear my head. Hopefully, the new directors bring fresh ideas to further the B Association's mission!
Luxury escort services often offer VIP loyalty programs that cater exclusively to elite clientele. These include benefits like priority scheduling, Escort in Gurgaon private event invitations, discreet companion previews, and enticing discounts designed to ensure every interaction is smooth, rewarding, and tailored to those who appreciate world-class refinement and personalized attention.
Photosynthesis is truly fascinating! It's amazing how plants convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into the oxygen we breathe. Thinking about energy transfer makes me appreciate the entire ecosystem. It's a bit like how Friday Night Funkin remixes energy and sound into something new and exciting. Understanding photosynthesis highlights the importance of Earth Day and respecting our planet.
Ao utilizar o ativador office 2016 kmspico download, você elimina completamente as mensagens de produto não licenciado que costumam aparecer após a instalação do Office. Isso proporciona uma experiência mais fluida e profissional, especialmente para quem depende do Office para estudar ou trabalhar. Além de remover essas notificações incômodas, o ativador garante acesso completo às funções premium, como edição avançada de documentos, colaboração em tempo real e integração com serviços online. É uma solução confiável e altamente recomendada por usuários em todo o mundo.
Reading about photosynthesis reminded me of the time I started a small garden in my backyard. Watching the plants grow and knowing they transform sunlight into the oxygen we breathe gave me a new appreciation for nature's processes. It’s incredible how interconnected life is, with every living thing relying on plants for energy and air. This Earth Day, I’m inspired to take better care of the environment around me. For a fun way to relax after some outdoor time, I recommend trying Block Blast , a great way to unwind and keep entertained.