Dispelling the Misconception About Plant Mass and Soil - Photosynthesis It is often thought that soil is the primary source of plant mass. While it is true that plants require water and nutrients from the soil to grow, these substances are mainly used for metabolic processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. Soil is not the primary source of plant mass. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, is responsible for capturing sunlight and starting the photosynthesis process. The process takes place in the chloroplasts, organelles found in plant cells. Here are some techniques that teachers can use to avoid the misconception that plants obtain their mass from the soil: 1. Emphasize the role of air: Explain to your students that plants get most of their mass from the air, not the soil. While soil is important for providing water and nutrients, i...