What process converts water and carbon dioxide into sugars using sunlight?

The process that converts water and carbon dioxide into sugars using sunlight is photosynthesis. This is a vital biochemical pathway primarily occurring in plants, algae, and some bacteria. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll in the chloroplasts captures sunlight, which provides the energy needed to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar that serves as an energy source for the organism.

The overall equation for photosynthesis can be simplified as follows:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂.

This shows that carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, are transformed into glucose and oxygen.

Understanding this process is crucial because it is the foundational means by which energy enters the biosphere. It supports not only the organism performing photosynthesis but also the entire food web, as the produced sugars can be used for energy or as building blocks for growth and development. Additionally, photosynthesis plays a significant role in the carbon cycle and helps regulate atmospheric oxygen levels.