The energy transformation that occurs during photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, primarily occurring in the chloroplasts. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, captures light energy from the sun, initiating this process. The overall equation of photosynthesis illustrates how light energy is transformed into stored energy within organic molecules, which are then utilized by the plant for growth, metabolism, and as a source of energy for herbivores.