Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. This remarkable process occurs primarily in the leaves, within specialized structures called chloroplasts. Inside chloroplasts, a pigment called chlorophyll absorbs sunlight—this is what gives plants their green color.
The plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny pores called stomata and absorbs water through its roots. Using energy from the sun, the plant converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar that serves as food) and oxygen.
The glucose fuels the plant's growth and development, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere. This process not only sustains plants but also produces the oxygen that animals—including humans—need to breathe. Understanding photosynthesis helps us appreciate the fundamental connection between plants and all other life on Earth.
