The process by which plants make their food using sunlight is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb sunlight through their leaves utilizing a pigment called chlorophyll. This energy is used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food. As a byproduct of this process, oxygen is released into the atmosphere, which is essential for supporting life on Earth. Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts in plant cells, and it is crucial not only for the survival of plants but also for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.