The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is called photosynthesis. During this process, plants absorb sunlight through chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves. They take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, utilizing sunlight to convert these inputs into glucose (a type of sugar used for energy) and oxygen. Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth, as it is the basis of the food chain and produces oxygen that many organisms need to breathe. This process not only supports plant life but also contributes to the planet's ecological balance.