Plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis from different parts of their environment as follows:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air through small openings on the underside of their leaves called stomata. These stomata regulate the intake of CO2 needed for photosynthesis.
- Water (H2O): Water is absorbed by the plant roots from the soil. It travels up through the plant's vascular system (xylem) to the leaves where it is used in photosynthesis.
- Sunlight: Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and other green parts of the plant, primarily in the leaves, and provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur.
Thus, carbon dioxide comes from the atmosphere, water comes from the soil via roots, and sunlight is captured from the environment by the plant's chlorophyll.
