- Through the process of photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to synthesize carbohydrates, such as glucose.
- During photosynthesis, plants absorb sunlight through chlorophyll, a green pigment found in their leaves.
- The absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Hydrogen is then combined with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to form glucose, a simple sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for plants.
- The oxygen produced during photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere.
Animals:
- Animals cannot produce their carbohydrates and rely on plants for obtaining them.
- Herbivorous animals consume plants directly to get carbohydrates.
- Carnivorous animals consume herbivorous animals, indirectly obtaining carbohydrates from plants.
- Omnivorous animals consume both plants and animals, getting carbohydrates from both sources.
- During digestion, animals break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars that can be absorbed into their bloodstream and used for energy or stored for later use.