Which 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. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. Using the light energy, they convert these raw materials into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as an energy source for the plant, supporting growth, reproduction, and other vital functions.

The importance of photosynthesis cannot be overstated, as it not only fuels plant life but also contributes significantly to the Earth's atmosphere by producing oxygen, which is vital for the survival of most living organisms. This process is essential for the ecosystems as well since it forms the base of the food chain, providing energy for herbivores and, in turn, carnivores.

In contrast, respiration refers to the process by which both plants and animals convert glucose and oxygen into energy, along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, and is reliant on the energy produced by photosynthesis. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, often in certain microorganisms, and is not the primary means by which plants derive energy. Transpiration