The process by which plants grow is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as an energy source. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. The glucose produced serves as an energy source for growth, development, and metabolism, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Photosynthesis is foundational for life on Earth since it transforms solar energy into chemical energy and provides oxygen, making it indispensable for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans.