Plants use a process called photosynthesis to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose (a type of sugar). This process primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, which contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy.
The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as:
\[ \text{6 CO}_2 + \text{6 H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6 O}_2 \]
In this process:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is taken from the atmosphere through tiny openings in the leaves called stomata.
- Water (H₂O) is absorbed by the roots from the soil.
- Using sunlight, plants convert these raw materials into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and release oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct.
Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the oxygen we breathe and serves as the foundation of the food chain.