The process by which plants make their own food is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy by utilizing chlorophyll. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil. Using sunlight, they convert these raw materials into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. The glucose serves as energy for growth and maintenance, while oxygen is released as a byproduct. This process not only sustains the plants but also plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by producing the oxygen we breathe and forming the basis of the food chain.