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

Plants primarily use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll, the green pigment, captures light energy from the sun. Through a series of chemical reactions, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil to produce glucose, a simple sugar that serves as an energy source, and oxygen, which is released as a byproduct.

Photosynthesis is critical for plant growth and development, as it allows them to produce their own food and supply oxygen to the atmosphere, supporting life on Earth. This process is essentially vital for the energy flow in ecosystems, as photosynthetic plants are the primary producers that form the basis of food chains.