What process do plants use to convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose. This process takes place primarily in the leaves, within organelles called chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, using sunlight to drive a series of chemical reactions that produce glucose and oxygen. The glucose serves as an essential energy source for the plant, allowing it to grow and function, while oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.

This process is vital not only for the plants themselves but also for life on Earth, as it is at the foundation of the food chain and is responsible for supplying oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms. Understanding photosynthesis is crucial to comprehending how energy flows through ecosystems and the significance of plants in maintaining atmospheric balance.