The part of the plant responsible for making food through the process of photosynthesis is the leaves. Leaves contain specialized structures called chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll—a pigment that captures sunlight. The process of photosynthesis occurs within the chloroplasts.
During photosynthesis, the chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs sunlight energy. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen (O2). The chemical reaction can be summarized as follows:
6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2
Glucose serves as the primary source of energy for the plant, which can be used for growth, development, and metabolic processes. Additionally, excess glucose is stored as starch or used to produce other carbohydrates, proteins, and fats within various plant tissues.
It's important to note that while leaves are the primary site of photosynthesis, other green parts of the plant, such as stems and young shoots, may also contribute to some extent. However, leaves are the primary organs involved in the production of food through photosynthesis.