Page 62 - The Manga Guide to Biochemistry
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2. Let’s Talk Photosynthesis
The importance of plants
At the base of the ecosystem, plants, algae, and some bacteria supply food to all living crea-
tures. The majority of them use a process called photosynthesis, in which saccharides and
oxygen (O2) are created from carbon dioxide by splitting atoms of water, using energy from
the Sun. Saccharides are also known as carbohydrates and are vital to living creatures like us.
sunlight photo- saccharides =
synthesis carbohydrates
That’s why plants are called producers. In contrast, we animals are called consumers.
Photosynthesis is important not just because it creates saccharides. It also maintains a
steady, balanced concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and it produces oxygen,
which living animals require to survive.
yoHeurgeo! photosynthesis
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As you can imagine, deforestation by humans greatly reduces the number of
“p roducers,” upsetting the delicate balance of the biogeochemical cycle and potentially
threatening “c onsumers” (like us!).
Now, let’s take a closer look at the way in which plants use sunlight to create
saccharides.
48 Chapter 2
