Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This gas is crucial for the process of photosynthesis, wherein plants convert CO2 and sunlight into glucose and oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata. The absorbed carbon is used to produce energy-rich compounds, which serve as food for the plant. Oxygen, a byproduct of this process, is released back into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to the air we breathe. This exchange is vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.