This process takes place mainly in the leaves of the plant. Leaves contain a substance called chlorophyll that traps the sun's energy. The chlorophyll is a bright green colour, which explains why plants are green. The chart below shows a simple equation to illustrate the process of photosynthesis. The air enters the leaves through tiny holes called stomata.
Plants get the water they require through their root systems in the soil.
When energy from sunlight is available, the process of photosynthesis takes place. Photosynthesis creates oxygen and sugar. Oxygen is released into the air and used by all animals, including humans, in order to breathe. The plant uses some of these sugars for its own needs and then stores some of the sugars. The potato plant stores its sugar, or carbohydrate, in underground tubers.