Photosynthesis is like a squirrel that saves acorns for winter. This squirrel’s name is Chester. Chester must use his skills and some of his energy to go out and save up acorns for winter, which will provide him with energy when he needs it. He must expend some energy now to gain more energy in the future. The acorns he saves will later be broken down (eaten), and used for energy. They are stored in his tree until the period of time that Chester needs them.
Plants and photosynthesis work similarly. The plant captures sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water and produces glucose and oxygen. The glucose is food. This process is like when the squirrel must search for food using his skills and energy. Energy is stored in ATP,