The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves, to capture sunlight. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. The chemical equation for photosynthesis can be simplified as: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. Glucose serves as an energy source for the plant, while oxygen is released as a byproduct. Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth, as it provides the oxygen we breathe and is the foundation for most food chains.