The process by which plants make their own food using sunlight is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants capture sunlight through chlorophyll in their leaves and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is critical for plant growth and development, as glucose provides the necessary energy and building blocks for cell structure. Additionally, the oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere, essential for the survival of most living organisms. Photosynthesis not only sustains plants but also plays a vital role in maintaining the Earth's ecological balance.