The chemical process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose is called photosynthesis. In this process, plants utilize sunlight to synthesize glucose, which serves as a vital source of energy for growth and metabolism. The overall reaction can be summarized by the equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This process not only fuels the plant itself but also produces oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms on Earth.