Photosynthesis is the process that converts sunlight into chemical energy. During this natural phenomenon, plants, algae, and some bacteria harness sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The process primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll helps capture light energy. The produced glucose serves as an energy source for growth, reproduction, and metabolic functions, while oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere. Photosynthesis is not only vital for plant life but also crucial for sustaining the Earth's ecosystems, as it forms the foundation of the food chain and contributes to the planet's oxygen supply.