How does a leaf
make food?
Light + water + CO₂ → sugar + O₂
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It all starts with light.
The chlorophyll in the leaf absorbs light. Its energy helps the plant make food.
What if something were missing…
Switch the conditions on or off and watch the diagram.
All the conditions are present. The leaf makes sugar and releases oxygen.
We covered the plant so it gets no light. What will happen to photosynthesis?
Now you know what a leaf does!
Light provides energy. Water and CO₂ become sugar, and oxygen is released into the air.