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

Green plants utilize photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll—the pigment responsible for the green color—captures light energy. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil. Using sunlight as the energy source, they convert these inputs into glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen. The glucose serves as a vital energy source for the plant, enabling growth, reproduction, and various metabolic processes.

Photosynthesis is essential not only for providing energy to plants but also for generating oxygen, which is critical for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans. It represents the foundation of the food chain and plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, thus impacting climate and environmental health.